DECLARATION OF OFFICE AND REMEMBRANCE DAY

 

Well, what an exciting week!

On Tuesday, the new Council all signed the Declaration of Office to officially make us Councillors.  It has allowed Mike Symons and I to use the title of Mayor and Deputy Mayor as well. 

Councillors then got down to business by attending their first workshop as a briefing on some matters.  Next Tuesday, they will attend an induction workshop that will be very extensive in its content and cover the myriad of matters that make up local government.  It can be daunting but we have a committed group of people to serving the GSBC municipal area for the next 4 years. The induction will equip them with the knowledge to undertake the role in a sometimes volatile environment.  

Being a local government councillor takes commitment to your values of integrity and ethics. I have no doubt that the Councillors elected for the next 4 years will uphold those values to the highest degree.

There were lots of phone calls and emails that filled the rest of the week until today - Remembrance Day.  I am fortunate that I was appointed to the role of Co-Ordinator for Anzac Day and Remembrance Day by the Spring Bay RSL some time ago and that gives me the privilege of being MC on those ceremonial days (as me; not the Mayor).  Today we were fortunate to have the Minister for Veterans Affairs the Hon Guy Barnett attend our service and deliver the Remembrance Day address.  Minister Barnett is a strong supporter of all veterans and their support services.  

One of the roles I hold is as a member of the Veterans Reference Group (VRG) due to being the parent of a current serving defence member.  The VRG plays an important role in providing information to the Minister about the many issues that our veteran and current serving members experience.  If you are a veteran who is in need of assistance, I encourage you to contact your local RSL sub-branch for support.  Alternatively, please don't hesitate to contact me.

So to the end of the week and it is Onwards and Upwards from here for GSBC (this is me plagiarising the General Manager's favourite saying!) 

Stay in touch.  Until next time....

Cheryl

ELECTION AND THE FUTURE

Following a recount,, I have been confirmed as Mayor for the upcoming term of Glamorgan Spring Bay Council.  I am so grateful to everyone who voted for me particularly the 1550 people who marked 1 in the Mayoral first preference box.  With some returning Councillors and three new councillors, the future is looking very bright for Glamorgan Spring Bay.

Clr Michael Symons was overwhelmingly voted in as Deputy Mayor and I could not be more delighted to have him in that role.

Former Deputy Mayor Jenny Woods returns as a Councillor and will bring her extended experience and governance skill to the Chamber. Former Mayor Robert Young and Clr Rob Churchill round out the returning councillors.  

Three incoming Councillors with no local government experience in Neil (Teddy) Edwards (Orford), Carole McQueeney (Orford) and Greg Luck (Swansea) have been elected.  All three Councillors bring to the Chamber a broad skill set of business, governance and life experiences that will be invaluable to the debate.  Of course, it will be a steep learning curve in terms of the legislation and other governance matters as well as becoming familiar with the many issues that come to council from time to time.

I have said consistently that being a Councillor is not an easy gig.  It can be distressing and mentally challenging.  An election can be even worse!  It is easy to abuse those in public office. All Councillors put up their hand to take on an often thankless role and sometimes controversial one so any form of abuse is not deserved.  

We were elected by the community to serve the community but we can only do that with clear and concise communication.  The incoming Council is committed to opening lines of communication and I would encourage everyone to communicate with the Councillor of your choice if you have an issue.  Talk to us.  One of my favourite sayings in relation to complaints is 'kicking the gravel in the carpark'.  It means that people will often do just that when amongst others and not actually raise the matter with those they may have an issue.  Kicking the gravel in the carpark rarely achieves anything other than angst for either or both parties so let's talk! 

I have no doubt that the new Council will have spirited debates but rest assured the best interests of the ratepayers and residents will always be at the forefront of minds.

Thank you once again to everyone who voted in this election.  Your support of all the candidates who were elected to Glamorgan Spring Bay is very much appreciated.