Radford backs Horsham potential
New Horsham mayor Mark Radford has pledged to work for a prosperous Wimmera future as he guides Horsham Rural City Council for the next 12 months.
Cr Radford, who takes over from Cr Pam Clarke in the municipality’s senior role, accepted his nomination at a statutory meeting at Horsham Civic Centre.
Cr Radford, 60, who operates an electrical-contracting business, won a secret ballot for the position from fellow long-term councillor David Grimble.
It will be his second time as mayor, having previously led the council in 2014-15.
Cr Radford spoke strongly about the potential of Horsham, its people and the council in his acceptance speech.
Before launching into a passionate address about Horsham, Cr Radford took a moment to acknowledge Cr Grimble’s nomination and his 10year contribution to Horsham as a councillor.
“David and I have probably had a bit of a Carlton-collingwood relationship but we have great respect for each other I think it is fair to say,” he said.
“We often disagree but sometimes agree, and there is no doubt about it that he has my respect as a councillor for what he has achieved.
“I look forward to continuing work with him.”
Cr Radford joined the council in 2008 and apart from his business and council commitments is also involved in a variety of community groups, to events and activities including the Salvation Army, YMCA and Vectis Rural Fire Brigade.
Cr Radford said during his speech that he would also endeavour to make the next year productive and enjoyable for the council group.
“I thank my fellow councillors for affording me this opportunity – your energy, passion and commitment to delivering positive outcomes for our community is outstanding,” Cr Radford said.
“We each bring a mixture of experiences, areas of passion and expertise and we have a great diversity of ideas.
“But, to be an effective council, we must be a highly functioning team and I am proud to say that this council is 100 percent focused on delivering for the community that we all love.”
Cr Radford also spoke about how Horsham and district was a great place to live.
“There are always at least two ways to look at any issue – to have a glasshalf-full attitude or a glass-half-empty perspective. I will try to encourage the former,” he said.
“History records the challenges faced by the early pioneers, indigenous communities, challenges faced by our farming families, who for generations have worked to produce crops and rear stock through the most productive or heartbreaking seasons.
“Our biggest challenge, that I have observed, since moving here 27 years ago, is making the transition from a country town to a rural city.
“We need to provide the modern facilities that make a place an attractive option to live, particularly to entice the professional people we need, doctors, nurses, dentists, police, engineers, to make the move from the capital cities,” he said.
Cr Radford also thanked former mayor Cr Clarke.
“We sincerely thank Pam for her tireless efforts, advocacy and support of this community throughout the past year,” he said.