Gannawarra Shire Council is the local government body responsible for the municipality of Gannawarra. The Council consists of seven councillors, including the mayor and deputy mayor.
Elected by the community, the Council is the decision-making body that sets the strategic direction and policy of the municipality. It delivers the four-year Council Plan which sets out what the Council will achieve during its four-year term to further the community vision; an Annual Action Plan; and Annual Budget which describes Council’s key objectives and activities for each 12-month period.
The role and powers of Council, the Mayor and the Councillors are prescribed in the Local Government Act 2020.
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Phone: 0457 719 874
Email: charlie.gillingham@gsc.vic.gov.au
First elected to Council: October 2016
Mayor: 2020/21-2022/23
Deputy Mayor: 2016/17, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2023/24
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Charlie has lived in the area all his life and operates a family farm at Lake Charm. He has an interest in local health, irrigation, environmental, social and sporting organisations.
Charlie believes the area that we live in is very dynamic and has a huge potential for innovative agricultural pursuits, further tourism opportunities, new industry and greater residential development opportunities. We have a reinvigorated Council and he looks forward to working with his fellow Councillors and the community for the benefit of the whole shire.
Charlie believes that with a commonsense approach we can achieve all these goals and continue to make the Gannawarra Shire a fantastic place for all.
Born in Kerang in 1955, Pat Quinn is the fourth of six children in the Quinn family. His father, Greg Quinn, originally from Collingwood, moved to Kerang in the 1930s, working in the hotel business. His mother, Joan Batchelor, was born in Cohuna, and the couple married in 1948 before settling on a small farm in Mincha West.
Pat attended Mincha West Primary School and completed Year 11 at Kerang High School. A keen sportsman, he played tennis for Mincha West and football for Macorna, where he progressed from juniors to seniors and later served as an umpire. His dedication to the Macorna Football Club spanned over 30 years, holding roles such as president, vice president, and treasurer. In recognition of his service, he was awarded life membership in 2017.
In 1991, Pat married Michelle Neiman, originally from Freeport, Illinois, USA. Together, they raised four children—Rebekah, Gregory, Kaleb, and Erika. Since 1975, Pat has been dairy farming in Mincha West, growing the operation from 150 to 750 cows. Today, the farm is run by Michelle, Gregory, and Kaleb, allowing Pat to focus on semi-retirement and council duties.
A passionate bowler, Pat is a member of the Cohuna Golf Bowls Club and serves on its board of management. Committed to the community, Pat’s vision as a councillor is to contribute to making Gannawarra Shire an even better place for future generations.
Garner was raised on a dairy farm in Leitchville and completed his High School Certificate (HSC) at Cohuna High School in 1989.
Garner undertook tertiary studies at Melbourne University, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and undertaking a postgraduate Honours year in Economics.
Garner has had significant experience in working in politics, as an Electorate Officer for Senator Julian McGauran and Ministerial Advisor to the Hon. Bill Baxter in the Roads and Ports portfolio. In addition, Garner was the Young Nationals State President for two years, the National Party Victoria Junior Vice President for a year, undertook a delegation to Shanghai, China as part of the Young Leaders Conference and completed a Political Exchange Tour of Japan. In 2021, Garner was elected to the Victorian Farmers Federation Water Committee.
Currently, Garner and his wife are busy running their businesses in Cohuna, Leitchville and Gunbower, as well as irrigated beef farms in Cohuna and Leitchville.
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Phone: 0417 515 769
Email: ross.stanton@gsc.vic.gov.au
First elected to Council: October 2020
Mayor: 2023/24
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Ross was born in Cohuna and spent most of his life living and working in the Gannawarra. Married to Linda, with two children, Ross is now retired, after 31 years with Goulburn-Murray Water.
Ross classifies himself as a volunteer, always willing to step in when help is needed. He is a life member of the Murrabit Football Club, and current 2024/25 President, having also spent time on the Central Rivers Football Board, as a member and Chair. Ross has recently become a member of the GMID Leadership Group, continuing his advocacy role for Gannawarra and rural Victoria.
Ross likes to relax with a game of golf and fishing, neither successfully!
Ross believes the Gannawarra is a great place to raise a family and enjoy all the assets this area has available. He sees his role in Council as part of the wider “Gannawarra Council Team”, with a focus on the strategic side of local government, using his connections and skills to help set future strategy and advocate for our communities.