Six new Councillors declared

THERE was an air of excitement and optimism on Thursday afternoon among the newly-elected Councillors when they came together for the first time. The group of nine will make up the Greater Shepparton City Council for the next four years.

The Council saw significant turnover as a result of the election, with five fresh faces to take their place on the nine-seat bench for the first time, along with returning former councillor, Geoff Dobson, who was re-elected after an eight-year hiatus.

Former Mayor, Kim O’Keeffe, was re-elected with resounding support, capturing nearly 20 percent of first preference votes. Most-recent serving Mayor, Seema Abdullah was also re-elected, along with Fern Summer.

Rob Priestly, Shane Sali, Gregory James, Anthony Brophy, and Sam Spinks will commence their first stint in public office.

Mrs O’Keeffe said she was overwhelmed by the support she received through the vote.

“I feel very humbled by that, it certainly makes me even more determined to do more and do as much as I can for the community. It’s very, very touching to be so supported,” she said.

“I’m really excited to be re-elected for a second term. I certainly feel I’m coming in with a lot more knowledge this time. I think it’s going to be a very exciting four years ahead.”

First timers Mr Priestly and Mr Sali polled very strongly behind Mrs O’Keeffe.

Greg James becomes the first Indigenous Councillor to represent the region.

He said he was excited and relieved to have been elected.

“I’m really, really honoured,” he said.

“It’s obviously history, and from my mob all around the Greater Shepparton area, exciting for them too as well as exciting for me. It is history in the making, and I am excited about that, that I’m on the Council and I’m bringing my culture and my heritage to the Council and to the Greater Shepparton community. I’m very honoured.”

Elected Greater Shepparton City Council Councillors:

• Kim O’Keeffe
• Rob Priestly
• Shane Sali
• Greg James
• Seema Abdullah
• Fern Summer
• Geoff Dobson
• Anthony Brophy
• Sam Spinks

ELECTED COUNCIL… Members of the newly-elected Greater Shepparton City Council, from left, Seema Abdullah, Geoff Dobson, Anthony Brophy, Greg James, Kim O’Keeffe, Shane Sali, Rob Priestly, and Sam Spinks (absent: Fern Summer). The Council will serve until 2024. Photo: Struan Jones