New Mayor's historic achievement

Published on 25 November 2020

History was made on 24 November with Cr Charlie Gillingham becoming the first Avoca Ward representative this century to be elected as Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor.

First elected to Council in 2016, Mayor Gillingham served as Deputy Mayor in 2016-17 and held the position for the past two years.

“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for giving me the opportunities to carry out this role and the responsibilities that come with it for the next 12 months. It is a big commitment and can be very demanding, but I am up for the challenge,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“We have a refreshed Council and collectively, I know we can work together with our communities and dedicated Council staff to continue to make the Gannawarra a fantastic place to live.”

ABOVE: Mayor Charlie Gillingham (centre) with Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O'Reilly (left) and Deputy Mayor, Cr Garner Smith.

Mayor Gillingham identified the impact of COVID-19 and the Gannawarra’s economic recovery from the pandemic as a major challenge.

“COVID-19 has impacted on many of us, especially our smaller businesses, and as restrictions continue to ease and recovery continues, hopefully we will be back to some normality soon, however, we must remember to stay vigilant,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“We have plenty to do during the next four years. We will continue to concentrate on Council’s core issues, good governance, financial stability, and creating our new four-year Council Plan with input from the community. Together, with our communities, we will endeavour to make this all happen.

“I’m really looking forward to the next 12 months working with Councillors, Council staff and the community for the betterment of the whole Shire.”

Mayor Gillingham will be supported by Yarran Ward representative, Cr Garner Smith, who was elected as Deputy Mayor.

“I look forward to working with Mayor Gillingham and my fellow Councillors to represent our communities and their interests,” Cr Smith said.

MAIN PHOTO: Mayor Charlie Gillingham (left) received the Mayoral Chains from Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O'Reilly.