At the declaration of the poll last month, the following people were elected to their respective wards on the Surf Coast Council: Anglesea Ward – Mike Bodsworth and Libby Stapleton, Torquay Ward – Paul Barker, Kate Gazzard, Rose Hodge and Kate Pattison, Winchelsea Ward – Adrian Schonfelder and Heather Wellington. I extend my congratulations to these councillors and I look forward to working with them to represent the residents of the Shire.
I was proud to have several members of my family attend the Swearing-in Ceremony at the Shire offices last week.
The residents have elected a large number of new councillors, with Rose Hodge and Heather Wellington being the only councillors re-elected. I know that I will have a very steep learning curve, with only a two-week induction period before the first council meeting. I also know that I can draw upon the vast experience of Clive Goldsworthy and many others in the Lorne community to assist me in the role.
At the time of publishing this article the councillors will have elected the mayor and deputy mayor, I wish the councillors well in these respective roles and I also want to acknowledge the outstanding commitment to our Shire and its residents by Cr. Rose Hodge the outgoing mayor.
There will always be a dilemma for elected representatives, reconciling personal views and convictions with the majority-held position of residents. The challenge is to accurately judge what the majority view is, then to match that with what is possible under commonwealth, state and local government statutes. I believe that I must operate, whenever possible, within the following framework:
- Ask is the matter core council business
- Determine what is the majority view, and
- Use the test of what would a “reasonable person” would decide or do.
To honour my pledge to be available at a set time at Lorne Community Connect for a trial period, I will start with 10.00 am – 11.30 am on a Monday morning beginning in December. Naturally, residents may contact me outside this time by mobile, email and the casual conversation in the street, but I will see if the set-time works.
I must also add that contact with council on any matter should be initiated by you lodging a request on the council website www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au. If the matter is urgent, then ring the Shire on 5261 0600.
If you wish to contact me, my Council mobile number is 0438 637 274 and my email address is gallen@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.
Stay safe, wear a mask and socially distance to enjoy the holiday season.
Gary Allen
In 2012, the community of Lorne responded to a review of Shire electoral boundaries requesting a reinstatement of ward boundaries. Surf Coast Shire had become a single ward in 2004 and in ensuing years, the community of Lorne began to feel increasingly disenfranchised; no local representation, some shire councillors reluctant to make the long drive from Torquay to Lorne and Shire expenditure in Lorne completely out of proportion to the rate revenue generated. It was a battle, but the ward structure was re-established with the Lorne ward encompassing Lorne & Deans Marsh and extending north to Moggs Creek.
Now we had the opportunity for true representation, and we were very fortunate that Clive Goldsworthy stepped forward to stand for Council representing the Lorne ward. Clive had a wealth of corporate and financial experience and more importantly a real commitment to make a difference. Clive was elected unopposed in 2012. In addition to his duties a ward Councillor, Clive was involved with a number of community organisations in Lorne and was always available to help where he could. With Clive’s support, the Lorne ward has had a powerful voice at Council and the results are tangible. Clive fought fiercely to see the Lorne Men’s Shed built in the face of considerable opposition and what an amazing success that has turned out to be. Then there is also the new facilities at Stribling Reserve; netball court, oval lighting, electronic scoreboard, new pavilions currently under development. All these projects came to be because of Clive’s advocacy. With his financial expertise, Clive has also played a pivotal role in ensuring the viability and sustainability of many of Lorne’s community organisations; Lorne Bowls Club, Lorne Football & Netball Club, Lorne Community Connect, Lorne Country Club.
Clive served two terms on Council, an eight-year commitment to the Lorne ward and its communities. It’s been an amazing achievement. The Committee for Lorne has worked closely with Clive during that period and we know how much he, and Lesley, put into the job. On behalf of the communities of Lorne ward, we extend our thanks to Clive, and Lesley, for all they have done and achieved. When life returns to normal, it is our intention to arrange a more formal event at which the community can offer its thanks.
And now, Gary Allen steps into the role of Councillor for Lorne ward. The Allen’s and the Anderson’s, Gary’s forbears, have been in Lorne for generations. Gary was born in Lorne and grew up here. He is passionate about this community and is involved an several organisations and has always given one hundred percent. The Committee for Lorne wishes him well in this new role and we commit to work with Gary and extend to him whatever support is needed. Best wishes Gary and thank you for stepping up to this role.
Committee for Lorne
Late News: The new mayor of Surf Coast Shire is Cr Libb Stapleton and the Deputy Mayor is Cr Liz Pattison
