Results of last month’s local elections revealed new and old faces for the new Wellington Shire Council.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) shared the results last Thursday following a computer calculation of the votes.
All three wards – Central, Coastal and Northern – were calculated live with a computer program developed by the VEC. All the formal ballot papers received for each ward were entered into the computer system and the ‘calculate’ button was clicked by VEC Wellington Shire election manager Rick Coleman.
It was a painful minute for each calculation.
Central Ward’s count had 9687 formal ballot papers included in the count, with 216 informal for a total of 9903 ballots.
Coastal Ward had 8647 formal ballots included in the count, 345 informal ballot papers for a total of 8992, while 9390 total ballot papers were cast for Northern Ward, with 9075 of those included in the count, and 315 informal.
After the calculation was performed, copies of the distribution report of the voters were printed and made available. It can be downloaded from the VEC website.
The next day, the outcomes were declared by Mr Coleman at the Wellington Room at the Port of Sale. This made official the newly-elected councillors.
Geoff Wells, elected in the Central Ward, congratulated his fellow elected councillors, stating he is confident in their collective ability to lead.
“The people of Wellington Shire put their confidence in us to lead… and I am sure we can make a difference for the continual future growth of the Shire in the next four years,” he said.
Mr Wells briefly noted council would face challenges, particularly with changes in the power industry, and emphasised that councillors would “manage and champion this move to ensure that jobs are kept in Wellington Shire”.
Returning Coastal Ward councillor Garry Stephens thanked Mr Coleman and the VEC staff for their work in managing Wellington Shire’s election. He also extended appreciation to the newly-elected council members and congratulated returning councillors.
“We have been very fortunate in the Wellington Shire to run our council in a very collegiate and corporate manner over the last eight years… and I’m sure with the new council with our management team and our CEO David Morcom, we’ll be able to continue in that fashion,” Mr Stephens said.
Carmel Ripper, representing the Northern Ward for her third term, grew emotional as she honoured the late Malcolm Hole, former mayor and long-serving councillor, whom she called her mentor, saying he’d be proud of her.
The new council includes four returning members: Scott Rossetti, Garry Stephens, Carmel Ripper, and John Tatterson, collectively bringing 36 years of experience. Mr Rossetti has served since 2008, Mr Stephens and Ms Ripper since 2016, and Mr Tatterson since 2020. They have already worked a full term together from 2020 to 2024.
Last Friday, Ms Ripper emphasised the importance of teamwork, highlighting that all councillors, new and returning, are united in commitment to the community. She thanked their families for the support and sacrifices they will make.
Only time will tell who becomes mayor and deputy mayor. The council will meet this coming Monday from 5pm in the Wellington Room to elect the new mayor and deputy mayor.
Of the returning councillors, three have prior experience in these roles: Mr Stephens served as mayor in 2021, with Mr Rossetti as deputy. Mr Rossetti has also held the mayoral role in 2010, 2013, and 2014, and deputy mayor in 2009, while Mr Tatterson served as deputy in 2023.
Council chief executive David Morcom expressed his enthusiasm to work alongside the incoming council, congratulating both newly elected and returning councillors.
“Along with all of our council staff, I look forward to getting to know our new councillors and working with both returning and newly elected representatives throughout this term,” he said.
“It’s encouraging to see a blend of experience and fresh perspectives and ideas entering our council chamber, all with strong connections to the Wellington Shire community.
“I’m especially pleased to see four women represented, which is a fantastic outcome for gender diversity at council. I’m excited to continue working for our community alongside our dedicated colleagues and councillors, who will bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to their work for local communities. I’m confident that this is a great opportunity for us to shape a brighter future for our Shire as we work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our residents.”
Mr Morcom extended council’s gratitude to outgoing councillors Ian Bye, Gayle Maher, Carolyn Crossley, Jill Wood and Marcus McKenzie for their dedicated service and valuable contributions over the past four to eight years. Mr McKenzie was the only councillor running for re-election not returned.
