By Aaron Cordy
PUBLIC question time is one of the first items on the agenda of Greater Shepparton City Council meetings, after the formalities, where community members get to ask for clarification on public matters.
Two questions submitted by Rowan Farren-Parnell of Mooroopna before the last Council meeting, on Tuesday, February 24, have stirred up a lot of public interest:
- What percentage of Briefings and Council Meetings has each Councillor attended in the previous twelve months, excluding mandatory training?
- What percentage of requests for attendance at community events have been attended by councillors individually?
For the monthly Council Meetings, only three councillors could not achieve 100 per cent. Of the 38 Council Briefings, most councillors gave a strong showing, with 89 to 100 per cent achieved by all but two councillors.
“Councillor attendance at briefings is not mandatory but is encouraged. It provides an opportunity for Councillors to receive information, ask questions, and clarify any concerns ahead of formal decision–making,” said GSCC CEO Fiona Le Gassick.
“Information presented at briefings is also made available to Councillors who are unable to attend, ensuring all Councillors have access to the same material to assist with making informed decisions at Council Meetings.
“As CEO, my expectation is that Councillors make every reasonable effort to attend Council Meetings and briefings, as these are important for staying informed and supporting effective decision–making.”
The numbers for attendance at community events tell a different story.
Mayor Cr Shane Sali and former Deputy Mayor Cr Anthony Brophy are often seen at community events, and the numbers clearly show that. Both achieved over 50 per cent attendance. With conflicting events, family and other responsibilities, the numbers show a commitment to being available as often as possible.
Of the seven other councillors, those numbers drop significantly.
“Councillors balance a range of responsibilities, both within and outside of their Council role. These responsibilities include matters relating to employment, family, community, and personal,” said Ms Le Gassick.
Greater Shepparton City Council is classified as a Category 2 council, with councillors receiving a base allowance of $35,049 per annum as of December 2025. The Mayor receives $118,303 per annum, and the Deputy Mayor receives $59,152 per annum.
