Shire’s fresh voices settle into office

IN November, Piggoreet’s Ian Getsom was working as a bus driver and community volunteer.

Two months later, he’s the deputy mayor of the Golden Plains Shire, and has already experienced nine weeks of his first term in leadership.

Working with two-term mayor Cr Helena Kirby, Cr Getsom said there’s already been a lot of learning, professional development, decision making, and opportunities to connect with ratepayers.

“I’ve been out on the road a fair bit visiting people. There’s a lot of work to do, and it’s a big challenge, but it’s a great challenge,” he said.

“I love meeting people. I was down in Lethbridge the other night at a meeting, and to one for the Shire Hall in Linton last week. They were very productive. I’ve been to the Bannockburn and Smythesdale Farmers’ Markets too.

“We have a lot of wonderful, interesting groups around. The locals are coming on board with me and I’m getting great feedback, which is a rewarding experience. They want some return for their vote, and we’re hoping to fulfil that.”

One of four brand-new recruits, Cr Getsom said he’s collaborating with “a great bunch” in the Shire chambers.

“We’re working together for the best of the community. It doesn’t matter where we’re from, we’re working in each end; Lethbridge or Teesdale, Bannockburn or Smythesdale,” he said.

“I’m very proud to be deputy mayor and represent the people, especially those at this north end of the Shire. It’s a big Shire, it’s a great Shire… We just want to keep it that way.”

Another new councillor is Clayton Whitfield who’s enjoying the many opportunities to connect with community volunteers, whether they’re from a sporting club, progress association, or historical society.

“Projects like the Meredith Community Garden and Inverleigh play space are examples of fantastic community driven achievements,” he said.

“Being able to represent and bring to council the concerns or issues of Shire residents is very rewarding.”

Cr Whitfield said he is gradually learning the full extent of the job’s many responsibilities, and is looking forward to incorporating community projects, aligning with the 2040 Vision, into the next four-year council plan.

“I’ve enjoyed and benefitted from the induction sessions… and getting to know the council staff. The level of behind-the-scenes work carried out by them, and the breadth of council responsibility has impressed me.

“I have quickly discovered that legislative requirements or budget constraints can make the path for new initiatives or strategies protracted, but this is a challenge that I embrace.”

Fellow new councillor, Gavin Gamble has a lot of Shire pride, and agreed that the mix of “community-minded” personalities in the council chambers are more harmonious than last term.

“We’ve got more positive relationships. I’ve come in with an open mind, willing to learn and see, and we’ve had a very comprehensive, supportive induction period,” he said.

“During the election campaign, the Shire got a lot of negative critiques, but there’s a lot to be proud of, particularly the committed and hardworking staff.”

One of his “standout moments” thus far has been the councilors’ full-day bus tour of the length and breadth of the Shire, including the Flagstaff Hill Lookout and Smythesdale Courthouse.

Now a couple of months into the role, Cr Brett Cunningham also felt there was a “good mix” of new and experienced councilors.

“Helena Kirby is doing a really great job as mayor, she is well-liked in the community, an experienced, steady and calming influence, and the right person in the chair to assist us as new councilors,” he said.

“We all have robust discussions, but as a group and as new councilors, we all want to work together. We haven’t come in to shake things up, we’re a more united group.”

Running for council “to regain the faith and trust of the community,” Cr Cunningham said the organisation operates as he expected, and he has appreciated the CEO and Shire staff’s ongoing support.

He feels like the community “are giving the new council group some time to settle in and learn,” although he has already received lots of on-phone feedback.

The “majority” of this correspondence in the last eight weeks has addressed local roads.

“Hopefully in the budget we’ll be putting some more money towards that area. If we can get on top of the basics first, like local roads and potholes, which are things people can see, then we can go forward from there,” he said.