THE air within the four walls of the Mansfield Shire Council chambers was thick with anticipation as shire CEO Kirsten Alexander opened to a packed house on Tuesday afternoon last week.
Everyone from enthusiastic ratepayers to the family and friends of the councillors-elect and dutiful council staff were in attendance.
They filled the room with gentle chatter as Ms Alexander stepped up to the lectern to commence proceedings.
She started by acknowledging the honour and the privilege she, and the ratepayers of Mansfield Shire, were about to bestow upon the five councillors-elect.
“We’re here to congratulate you all and to acknowledge the four year journey you are about to go on,” she said, before she reminded them that the community has big expectations of their council.
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One by one, the councillors-elect stepped forward to swear either an oath or an affirmation of commitment, depending upon their personal preferences.
Returning councillor and former Mayor of Mansfield Shire, James Tehan expressed his trepidation and his excitement at being re-elected but most of all his thanks to the voters for placing their trust in him.
“I’ve learned a lot these past four years,” he said.
“Now I’m ready to kick goals.”
He finished by expressing his renewed enthusiasm for astute financial management and for protecting the region’s natural beauty and agricultural productivity while keeping rates low for ratepayers.
Steve Rabie, another returning councillor and former Mayor, echoed much of his colleague’s sentiments while also stressing the need for the fiscal responsibility the council displayed over the past four years.
“It’s a new team and it’s a new game of cricket,” he said.
“I’m proud to be a part of it and we’ll do our best for you all.”
Mandy Treasure, whose election campaign focused on balanced spending into critical services, financial responsibility, and an eagerness to keep rates low, was similarly thankful to those who voted her in.
“There’s a steep learning curve ahead,” she said adding that the cohort of newly elected councillors would be looking to the experience of the two returned councillors for guidance.
As Bonnie Clark stepped up to the lectern to speak, one could sense the energy she intends to bring to the role even before she spoke and all but confirmed it.
“My door is open,” Ms Clark said.
“I want to listen to every voice.
“Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work to create a stronger, more connected shire.”
Tim Berenyi said it was a privilege to have grown up in Mansfield Shire and that it was humbling to be entrusted with the opportunity to represent the community.
He said that he looked forward to working collaboratively with his fellow councillors, council staff, and ratepayers to progress the shire.
“I do not take the opportunity lightly,” he said.
The new council are now set to undertake the mandatory training required and they will begin attending council matters in the coming weeks.
The topic of the shire’s new mayor and deputy mayor will be discussed and subsequently determined by an internal vote at the new council’s first meeting.
