The declaration of the Greater Shepparton City Council election results has come and gone, but what would the new councillors like to say?
With four returning councillors and five new recruits, The News sat down with each of them to hear their thoughts.
The election period came to a close at 3pm on Tuesday, November 12, when the Victorian Electoral Commission declared the nine councillors as follows:
- Balaclava Ward: Shane Sali
- Goulburn River Ward: Paul Wickham
- Kialla Ward: Anthony Brophy
- Lower Goulburn Ward: Kieron Eddy
- McEwen Ward: Steven Threlfall
- Midland Ward: Rod Schubert
- Pine Lodge Ward: Geoff Akers
- Poplar Ward: Sam Spinks
- Yanha Gurtji Ward: Fern Summer
Sitting mayor Shane Sali said he was happy to be back on council and was ready to represent not only his ward but the region.
“I am excited to be back, as it is a privilege and honour to serve the people of Greater Shepparton,” Cr Sali said.
“It has been a great four years, and I am looking forward to continuing the momentum to position Greater Shepparton as a prominent regional city.
“Having the support of the Greater Shepparton community, in particular those who live in the Balaclava Ward, is something I don’t take lightly.”
The winner of the hotly contested Goulburn River Ward, Paul Wickham, said he was looking forward to the work ahead.
“I’m feeling very humble and grateful,” he said.
“It’s exciting times ahead for Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley. I’m looking forward to working together with the other councillors to help the GV thrive for young and old.”
One of the other returning councillors is former deputy mayor and current councillor Anthony Brophy.
“I feel very humbled by the support of my ward and, to be honest, across Greater Shepparton,” he said.
“To the people of Greater Shepparton, it is important they know that although elected to specific wards within the municipality, collectively we are there to represent all Greater Shepparton, and it is imperative that we have that wider and balanced vision.”
Kieron Eddy, who will represent the Lower Goulburn Ward, said he was grateful to the voters and the wider community.
“It’s a very weird, very strange feeling being a councillor,” he said.
“I knew it would be a possibility, but having it actually happen is a different thing. All I can say is thank you everyone who voted for me.”
Steven Threlfall said he was “confident” in the group of councillors.
“The group that we’ve got is a really good group that I think we can all work together really well,” he said.
“I think that the general people, businessmen and other people around town are pretty excited about what could be achieved with this group of new councillors.”
Rod Schubert was the taker of one of the two uncontested spots, being the Midland Ward representative.
“There are three voices over in the west now — two in Mooroopna and one in the Midland Ward — which has not happened for over 20 years,” he said.
“But one thing we all have to remember is we’re elected by the people for the people.”
Geoff Akers said his top priorities remained small businesses and small communities.
“I am excited and look forward to making a difference for Greater Shepparton,” he said.
“I will work to help businesses and residents achieve their goals.
“I will focus on making changes to ensure a clear pathway for our small communities to achieve outcomes and have their voice heard at the council table.”
Sam Spinks, who took the uncontested seat in Poplar Ward, said she was excited to be back.
“It’s an absolute honour and privilege to have another four years to serve our community,” she said.
“To those who don’t see themselves represented around this table, like multicultural, First Nations and young people, I will work hard to make sure your voices are heard and respected and considered in all of our decisions.”
Fern Summer will represent the Yanha Gurtji Ward and said she was thrilled to do so.
“I’m grateful,” she said.
“I still intend to keep the wider focus of Greater Shepparton as my priority.”
On Tuesday, November 19, the new council will meet for the first time to elect a mayor and a deputy mayor.