THE new councillors for the Murrindindi Shire were announced on Wednesday, by the Victorian Electoral Commission.
The councillors are Sandice McAulay (Cathedral Ward), Sue Carpenter (Cheviot Ward), Karine Haslam (Eildon Ward), Eric Lording (King Parrot Ward), Ilona Gerencser (Kinglake Ward), John Walsh (Koriella Ward) and Damien Gallagher (Red Gate Ward).
The results of the election were formally announced at Yea Shire Hall at 10am on Thursday.
As the event was held under COVID-safe rules, the chairs were widely spaced and there was no morning tea provided.
The shire’s election manager Anne Williams read the results.
Sandice McAulay was elected unopposed in Cathedral Ward.
Sue Carpenter was elected in Cheviot Ward, gaining 57.35 per cent of first preference votes against Allan Brew and John Kennedy.
Karine Haslam was elected in Eildon Ward, gaining 66.13 per cent of the votes against Robyn Ellis.
Eric Lording was elected in King Parrot Ward, gaining 64.65 per cent of the votes against Kim Travers.
Ilona Gerencser was elected unopposed in Kinglake Ward.
John Walsh was elected in Koriella Ward with 39.87 per cent of first preference votes against Adam Neeves and John Steer. Mr Walsh gained 51.69 per cent of the vote against John Steer after the distribution of preferences.
Damien Gallagher was elected in Red Gate Ward with 45.16 per cent of the first preference votes against Robyn Walsh and Ian McKaskill. Mr Gallagher gained 52.62 per cent of the votes against Ian McKaskill after the distribution of preferences.
Only two of the representatives, Sandice McAulay and Eric Lording, were a part of the previous council, although John Walsh was a councillor previously.
Murrindindi Shire Council’s acting chief executive welcomed the elected representatives at the event, reminding them that they remain elected representatives until they are sworn in on November 16.
He added that he was pleased to see the large turnout of both candidates and voters at the election, and hoped that the soon-to-be councillors would find their role to be rewarding and fulfilling.
The swearing in ceremony will be live-streamed by council.
