Gamble re-elected to shire council following countback

GAVIN Gamble has filled the seventh Golden Plains Shire councillor position following a countback after Lachlan Glen’s early resignation.

Cr Gamble was declared a councillor elect by the Victorian Electoral Commission last week. He has previously served as a councillor, including terms as mayor in 2021 and 2022.

Cr Gamble joins mayor Sarah Hayden and councillors Emma Robbins, Des Phelan, Brett Cunningham, Helena Kirby and Owen Sharkey, and said he is keen to work collaboratively to make positive change.

“I’m looking forward to it and I’m positive about having a positive contribution,” he said.

“[I will work] with the other councillors to do the best that we can as a team to get improvements.”

Mr Glen resigned from the council a month into his four-year term due to personal circumstances.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Cr Gamble said his focus will be on responding to climate change, caring for biodiversity, providing more community and transport infrastructure, increasing Shire cohesiveness and communication.

“I realise I need to work harder to challenge misconceptions some people may have about me,” Cr Gamble said in the statement.

“One of my objectives is to focus on providing better understanding, explanation and information about council decisions and about my values, so people can not only reconsider any misconceptions but also to benefit from improved communications from myself and the council in general.

“There are going to be people who are never going to accept the perspectives and values I bring to the council but should at least value the diversity of opinion I bring.”