IN November, Piggoreet\u2019s Ian Getsom was working as a bus driver and community volunteer.<\/p>\n
Two months later, he\u2019s the deputy mayor of the Golden Plains Shire, and has already experienced nine weeks of his first term in leadership.<\/p>\n
Working with two-term mayor Cr Helena Kirby, Cr Getsom said there\u2019s already been a lot of learning, professional development, decision making, and opportunities to connect with ratepayers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been out on the road a fair bit visiting people. There\u2019s a lot of work to do, and it\u2019s a big challenge, but it\u2019s a great challenge,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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\u2019ve been to the Bannockburn and Smythesdale Farmers\u2019 Markets too.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a lot of wonderful, interesting groups around. The locals are coming on board with me and I\u2019m getting great feedback, which is a rewarding experience. They want some return for their vote, and we\u2019re hoping to fulfil that.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of four brand-new recruits, Cr Getsom said he\u2019s collaborating with \u201ca great bunch\u201d in the Shire chambers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working together for the best of the community. It doesn\u2019t matter where we\u2019re from, we\u2019re working in each end; Lethbridge or Teesdale, Bannockburn or Smythesdale,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m very proud to be deputy mayor and represent the people, especially those at this north end of the Shire. It\u2019s a big Shire, it\u2019s a great Shire… We just want to keep it that way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another new councillor is Clayton Whitfield who\u2019s enjoying the many opportunities to connect with community volunteers, whether they\u2019re from a sporting club, progress association, or historical society.<\/p>\n
\u201cProjects like the Meredith Community Garden and Inverleigh play space are examples of fantastic community driven achievements,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing able to represent and bring to council the concerns or issues of Shire residents is very rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Whitfield said he is gradually learning the full extent of the job\u2019s many responsibilities, and is looking forward to incorporating community projects, aligning with the 2040 Vision, into the next four-year council plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fellow new councillor, Gavin Gamble has a lot of Shire pride, and agreed that the mix of \u201ccommunity-minded\u201d personalities in the council chambers are more harmonious than last term.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got more positive relationships. I\u2019ve come in with an open mind, willing to learn and see, and we\u2019ve had a very comprehensive, supportive induction period,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the election campaign, the Shire got a lot of negative critiques, but there\u2019s a lot to be proud of, particularly the committed and hardworking staff.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of his \u201cstandout moments\u201d thus far has been the councilors\u2019 full-day bus tour of the length and breadth of the Shire, including the Flagstaff Hill Lookout and Smythesdale Courthouse.<\/p>\n
Now a couple of months into the role, Cr Brett Cunningham also felt there was a \u201cgood mix\u201d of new and experienced councilors.<\/p>\n
\u201cHelena 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all have robust discussions, but as a group and as new councilors, we all want to work together. We haven\u2019t come in to shake things up, we\u2019re a more united group.\u201d<\/p>\n
Running for council \u201cto regain the faith and trust of the community,\u201d Cr Cunningham said the organisation operates as he expected, and he has appreciated the CEO and Shire staff\u2019s ongoing support.<\/p>\n
He feels like the community \u201care giving the new council group some time to settle in and learn,\u201d although he has already received lots of on-phone feedback.<\/p>\n
The \u201cmajority\u201d of this correspondence in the last eight weeks has addressed local roads.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully in the budget we\u2019ll 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
IN November, Piggoreet\u2019s Ian Getsom was working as a bus driver and community volunteer. Two months later, he\u2019s 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\u2019s already been a lot of learning, […]<\/p>\n