Zanker retains role of mayor
Kylie Zanker has been re-appointed Yarriambiack Shire Council mayor for a third consecutive year.
Cr Zanker’s new term in the top job will last just shy of 12 months, to coincide with council elections in October 2024.
Cr Andrew Mclean also nominated for mayor at a statutory meeting in Warracknabeal on Wednesday last week.
The council voted not to appoint a deputy mayor.
Cr Zanker was first elected to the council in 2008 and was mayor for two years starting in 2011, before coming back to the role in 2021.
She has a background in the education sector and has also worked in community organisations.
Cr Zanker thanked her fellow councillors and community for their support during the past 12 months.
“During the past 12 months, I’ve witnessed our council and community working together to achieve amazing results across our shire,” she said.
“Some of the highlights include the Warracknabeal Tourist and Information Centre refurbishment, bringing our tourist information centre up to a modern, bright, engaging space – not just for our volunteers and local people but, indeed, visitors; and the completion of the ‘Home is where the hall is’ project, with 14 community halls across Yarriambiack Shire receiving funding for refurbishment and upgrades.
“We’ve also had the construction of the Hopetoun amphitheatre.
“Council has also contributed financial support to the amazing silo art activation project in Murtoa; the feasibility study and business case has been completed for the former Hopetoun school site development and further development works; we’ve also had with our caravan parks, the construction of prefabricated cabins at Warracknabeal and our caravan park at Hopetoun as well, and the camp kitchen refurbishments both in Warracknabeal and Hopetoun caravan parks.
“In the past 12 months, $8.39 million was associated with projects that have been delivered across our shire. We’ve invested in the development of an economic and development strategy and a separate tourism strategy as well.
“Excitingly, the commencement of construction of seven affordable houses is unfolding across our shire, which is a great feat and one I am very proud of.
“Planning for the Dunmunkle Library precinct has commenced and the wonderful community bowling green hub space upgrade for Woomelang has unfolded.
“Murtoa community saw the Rumble at Rabl Park project completed with a new pump track and playground.
“Significant works have also been completed on the redevelopment of the earlyyears precinct in Warracknabeal and also the community engagement and user group discussion of the master plans for Rabl Park, Murtoa and Murtoa Recreation Reserve are being finalised.
“On a personal note, mayor is a role that I’m extremely grateful to have had the privilege and opportunity to hold – the opportunity to work in partnership with our communities, to engage, advocate and represent Yarriambiack on many occasions.”