Unity – despite not being a prominent word – was the clear message for East Gippsland Shire’s new mayor, Cr John White.
Cr White on Tuesday was sworn in as the region’s local government leader, winning the role ahead of Cr Colin Toohey on a 5-4 vote, the mayor gaining the support of Crs Ben Buckley, Dick Ellis, Marianne Pelz and Jackson Roberts.
Cr Buckley will serve as Cr White’s deputy after winning another 5-4 vote ahead of Cr Toohey.
The quietly spoken Cr White – who is East Gippsland Shire’s 16th mayor – takes the reins from Cr Natalie O’ Connell, who 12 months ago accepted the top job amid a tension-filled chamber. Cr O’Connell was the shire’s youngest ever mayor and also first based in the Omeo region. Cr O’Connell did not seek re-election.
Elected to council in 2016, Cr White said he will continue to use his good ear and a kind heart to listen to the concerns of the community.
“I will be the conduit to hear the stories and pleas of the community that are not heard and share the stories that are often not told,” he said.
“For 46 years I have lived in this region as a grazier at Lindenow South… this region is something to be admired. It’s an honour to be elected mayor.
“We are struggling at the moment with the way nature is treating us and that is also a reason why now is the time for me to be the mayor because I do feel a great connect with all those who are suffering at the moment.”
Cr White said there was great experience in the council chamber to continue to advance East Gippsland.
“East Gippsland has a council that consists of five former mayors (Crs Pelz, Ellis, Rettino, O’Connell and Mark Reeves), a former shire president (Cr Buckley, former Omeo Shire), and a former deputy mayor (Cr Toohey). This is significant experience,” he said.
“Tomorrow will be a new day and although we had a division of two nominations, tomorrow we will be a group of nine councillors and our job must be firmly focused on our com- munity and doing the very best, as a unified group, to support our community and go forward and produce good outcomes.”
Fellow councillors praised Cr White for his development since arriving on council in 2016.
“I can’t think of a better man at the moment to be the mayor,” Cr Ellis, who nominated Cr White for the position of mayor, said.
“You’ve got a great opportunity to leave your mark and I know you will,” Cr Reeves said.
Caption: East Gippsland Shire Council’s new mayor, Cr John White, takes the mayor’s chair for the first time after being elected the region’s local government leader on Tuesday night in a 5-4 vote ahead of Cr Colin Toohey. Cr White’s deputy for the next 12 months is popular councillor, Ben Buckley, who also edged Cr Toohey in a 5-4 vote.
