Murrindindi Shire Councillors – (back left to right) John Walsh, Cris Ruhr, Andrew Derwent and Bernie Magner, (front left to right) John Kennedy, Christine Challen and Margaret Rae.

In this, my first term as a shire Councillor, there is still much to learn, to absorb and to retain.

The scope of services offered by Local Government and the complexity of the issues that need to be considered and decided on, elicits not only an acute awareness of the work undertaken over many years in creating and developing the systems we use today, but also a profound respect for those who have forged the way. It also causes me to reflect that this experience is very much that of firsts of many kinds: as a Councillor, first being elected by my community; first budget, first Council plan, first Council meeting, first formal opening, first citizenship ceremony – all these serve to underline the sense of duty and responsibility that comes with the role. But none more so than first being elected by fellow councillors as Mayor.

The achievements of recent times following the challenges of the past few years are to be celebrated.

Our communities are resilient and positive. As a Council we share in both the heartaches and successes experienced along the way. As Mayor this is a privilege and an inspiration.

The community is the reason that I am here –

To work for the outcomes that will take us forward, that will strengthen us and sustain us into the future. The desire to keep our shire beautiful and liveable into the future but with increased potential and opportunities is what motivates me and this can only be achieved successfully by working in partnership with our communities.

I recall attending a workshop with fellow Mayors at which the theme was ‘personal branding’. For me the concept of individual promotion was something that did not sit easily, but the concept of shire or council branding is something that motivates us all.

For me brand ‘Murrindindi’ is one to be proud of, highlighted and promoted.

By doing this I can help achieve the goals that our Council and our communities set together. So my personal goal for this year as Mayor is to build and consolidate the relationship with my community based on accountability, openness and trust so that we can grow our future together.

Images below- captions:

1) Come and enjoy the wonderful backdrop of Lake Eildon

2) Mayor Margaret Rae joins the Collingwood Leadership Team

3) The Great Victorian Rail Trail is Victoria’s longest rail trail spanning 134km from Tallarook through Yea to Mansfield, with a link between Cathkin and Alexandra. The trail can be explored by push bike, on foot or on horseback

4) The spectacular Yea Wetlands provide a wonderful insight into ecosystems

5) Come to the snow fields gateway at Lake Mountain

6) Yea Saleyards is a major selling centre for cattle producers across the state

7) Self portrait of Mayor Margaret Rae