Draw needed to determine mayor
Berrigan Shire has a new mayor, but the traditional ‘draw from a hat’ was needed to determine who would lead council for the next two years.
Returned councillors Matt Hannan and Denis Glanville both threw their hats into the ring for the top job and both received four votes apiece from fellow councillors at last Wednesday’s council meeting.
Former councillor Fred Cuthbert conducted the draw for mayor, with Cr Hannan’s name plucked from the hat.
Cr Hannan’s elevation to mayor means it’s the first time a Finley resident has held the top job in more than 14 years. He has replaced Bernard Curtin who still remains a councillor.
In fact, the change has seen the mayoral chains passed from council’s oldest councillor to its youngest — Cr Curtin is 78 and Cr Hannan 42.
Cr Daryll Morris, also a Finley resident, was elected deputy mayor unopposed. He takes the reins from retired councillor Brian Hill.
Having already served two consecutive terms on council, Cr Hannan said his vision for the future of the shire was broad and that local youth would benefit.
He said he wants to ‘‘grab every opportu- nity that comes up’’ and promote the shire whenever possible.
‘‘I’m well known throughout the four communities and I believe that holds me in a good position to deal with different things that arise in our communities,’’ said Cr Hannan, who for the past 13 years has been a teacher’s aide assisting with autistic children at Finley Public School.
‘‘I’m skilled when presented with confrontation . . . I present myself very well.
‘‘I am the third equal longest serving on council at the moment, I’m young, enthusiastic and learning all the time and I’ll be seeking the professional development that staff or fellow councillors think I need.
‘‘I work with youth, deal with youth and have a great understanding of their needs, as well as those of the elderly.’’
As his first duty, Cr Hannan welcomed new councillors John Taylor and Ross Bodey.
He also welcomed returning councillors John Bruce, Cr Curtin, Cr Morris, Cr Glanville and Colin Jones.
Cr Hannan said he looked forward to working with the new council team and existing staff on progressing the shire.
‘‘The new council has a good balance of new and returning councillors and some fresh faces in the leadership roles, which should see the council well placed to both serve and represent the community.’’
~ Sophie Burge