THE votes are in, and the nine Greater Shepparton City Councillors were declared yesterday, Tuesday, November 12 at the council office on Welsford Street, with the Councillor Swearing-In Ceremony held tomorrow, Thursday, November 14 at the same location.
Four sitting members of council were re-elected.
Current Mayor Shane Sali was a comfortable winner of the Balaclava Ward. Shane has been at the forefront of many events big and small in Greater Shepparton, advocating strongly for water rights and a new basketball stadium.
“I have been a councillor for four years, and current Mayor for over two years. In that time, together with the good people of Greater Shepparton, we’ve advanced our region,” said Cr Sali.
Current deputy mayor Sam Spinks ran unopposed in the Poplar Ward. In her time on Council, Sam sees housing, worker and skills shortages, public transport and the cost of living as the big issues facing the community.
“I have a passion for social justice and community development, and I hope to focus on doing the little things well with care and transparency, on making sure each of our community members feels heard and seen, and on creating a Greater Shepparton that is the most accessible and inclusive it can possibly be,” said Cr Spinks.
Anthony Brophy attracted the most votes in the Kialla Ward, which was the closest of all the results. Anthony highlighted the need for transport improvements, be that road upgrades, public buses and train service to Melbourne, and securing the regions water as top priorities.
“There is much that needs attention in Greater Shepparton, and I have the experience, the leadership and vision for what is needed not only in Kialla but across Greater Shepparton,” said Cr Brophy.
Fern Summer will be the longest current sitting member of council after being voted in the Yanha Gurtji ward. Fern believes council must promote the region’s strengths, keep pace with investment, infrastructure, and growth; and stay out of social issues.
“After 12 years on the job, it feels like we are only getting started. Delivering for the community is such a good feeling and we still have so much work to do,” said Cr Summer.
Five new faces were elected under the ward system.
Paul Wickham narrowly won the Goulburn River Ward. Paul is the owner of a family pharmacy and understands serving the needs of the Goulburn River community.
“Following the 2022 floods, it is clear that there is an opportunity to revisit the Greater Shepparton and Mooroopna 2050 Regional City Growth Plan to see how we can create a more resilient community to the west of the Goulburn River,” said Mr Wickham.
Geoff Akers is a local dairy farmer, which helped him secure the Pine Lodge Ward. Geoff has chaired Dairy Australia, Murray Dairy, the Victorian Farmers Federation Water Council and was a central councillor for the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria.
“I have been advocating to advance our region on the national and international stage for decades, and I will take these learnings and contacts to the Council table,” said Mr Akers.
Kieron Eddy won the Lower Goulburn Ward. Local business owner Kieron saw GSCC as Shepparton-centric and feels many of the smaller communities outside of Shepparton are ignored.
“It’s safe to say that practical real-world experience is what I would bring to Council. The type of experience you can’t get in a classroom and the type of common sense that comes from getting knocked down and picking yourself up repeatedly,” said Mr Eddy.
Steve Threlfall is a local businessman with long ties to the community that helped him win the McEwen Ward seat. Steve sees the regions waterways as the top asset council needs to embrace, showcase and protect the rivers, creeks and wetlands, and focus on local issues.
“Common sense is not that common at the Council table. Woke agendas and a cancel culture is dividing people, not uniting them. I see it and are constantly being reminded of it by Greater Shepparton residents,” said Mr Threlfall.
Rod Schubert ran unopposed for the Midland Ward. The Tatura local emphasised the need for strong representation of rural communities, including the growing towns of Tatura, Merrigum, Harston and surrounding agricultural areas.
With over 42 years of business experience and a strong background in local government and community service, Rod is committed to providing dedicated representation for the Midland Ward.
The new councillors will meet on Tuesday, November 19 to elect the mayor and deputy mayor.
