The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has paid tribute to its departing President, David Clark.
First elected as MAV President by MAV delegates in 2021, the Association said Mr Clark (pictured) had guided the sector out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and overseen the re-imagining of the MAV organisation.
On Friday, the VEC declared the results in the Pyrenees Shire election, and with Mr Clark failing to be re-elected, he will stand down as President of the MAV.
“I would like to personally thank the many councillors and council staff with whom I have worked, both in my role as MAV President as well as at Pyrenees Shire,” said Mr Clark.
“Having first been elected in 1992, much has changed in how we do things and little has changed both in what we do as a sector and how important it is for local communities in every corner of Victoria.
“In my own Pyrenees Shire am I very proud that all our small communities have quality public facilities, decent roads and access to services to live well.
“Being MAV President has given me the unique privilege to represent the positive work of all councils on the matters important to the communities we serve,” he said.
In a statement, MAV CEO, Kelly Grigsby paid tribute to Mr Clark’s significant contribution to both Municipal Association of Victoria and the Pyrenees Shire.
“As President of the MAV, he has represented the sector with distinction over the last four years. Under his leadership and guidance, the association has experienced significant growth and realignment to ensure we are well placed to face the challenges of local government now and into the future,” said Ms Grigsby.
“He has been at the forefront of our changed approach to intergovernmental relations, putting the best foot forward in meetings with Ministers and MPs from across the parliament.
“Mr Clark’s tireless efforts, vision, and unwavering dedication to our sector have also led passionate advocacy for councils in planning and housing, roads conditions across the state, and financial sustainability – particularly through his work on the ALGA board.
“He has also led MAV’s state councils where his calm and in control demeanour in keeping everything on track will be missed. I hope David is proud of his service to the sector,” she said.
MAV Vice President, Jennifer Anderson, will become MAV President until a board elections in March 2025.
