The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has celebrated the exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment of the state’s long-serving councillors with its annual Councillor Service Awards.
Presented on 9 October, the service awards recognise the dedication of councillors to their communities and the broader local government sector.
MAV President, Councillor Jennifer Anderson said every councillor to receive an award should stand proud of their leadership and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
“Being a councillor is a demanding role. It’s one undertaken with a deep sense of community, particularly when serving over a significant length of time. It’s also often completed as a second job or alongside caring for family,” Cr Anderson said.
“Acknowledging these milestones is vital. The role of a councillor can be demanding and often thankless, particularly as the expectations of our communities continue to change but their service is the foundation of local democracy.
“The MAV, and the sector, extends its deepest thanks to these councillors for their commitment to local government. They have each left an indelible mark on communities across the state,” she said.
The award winners were:
10-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Mayor Lisa Cooper – Knox City Council
Cr Lawrie Cox – Whittlesea City Council and formerly Shire of Whittlesea
Cr Sally Davis – Stonnington City Council
Mayor Irene Grant – Wangaratta Rural City Council
Mayor Rochelle Halstead – Bass Coast Shire Council and formerly Frankston City Council
Mayor Grace La Vella – Central Goldfields Shire Council and formerly Manningham City Council
Cr Eric Lording – Murrindindi Shire Council
15-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Cr Paul MacDonald – Maroondah City Council and formerly City of Croydon
Cr Peter Perkins – Nillumbik City Council
20-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Mayor Jim Memeti – Greater Dandenong City Council
Cr Brett Owen – Cardinia Shire Council
Cr John Sipek – Moonee Valley City Council
30-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Cr Des Phelan – Golden Plains Shire Council and formerly Shire of Grenville
Mayor Emeritus Award
Mayor Kristopher Bolam – Frankston City Council
Cr Danny Claridge – Benalla Rural City Council
Mayor Alan Getley – Buloke Shire Council
Mayor Irene Grant – Wangaratta Rural City Council
Mayor Georgina Oxley – Kingston City Council.
