Outgoing Corangamite Shire councillors reflect on their time in the job

Deputy mayor Ruth Gstrein, councillors Jo Beard and new-comer Geraldine Conheady will run in the October 24 election. Mayor Neil Trotter, councillors Lesley Brown, Simon Illingworth and Helen Durant will step down.

READ MORE: Council to see significant changing of the guard as over half drop out of race

Cr Trotter joined council eight years ago and said it was time to let new talent take over.

His advice for new candidates was to get their campaign started early.

"You've got a limited time to get your profile out there so the earlier you go the better your campaign without the usual face-to-face contact," he said.

"I do urge anyone to put there hand up, you have to be aware that it's a fair 2-3 day a week commitment and there's lots of reading.

"But being on council is not about individual effort, you have to remember it's a very democratic set up so if you've got a single issue you have to get the support of the other councillors.

"It's not always beer and skittles, everyone's got their own wards which are each unique and have their own wants and needs."

Cr Trotter lives in Timboon where he is semi-retired and an active volunteer.

He has a background in tourism and hospitality, and is a member of Port Campbell SLSC, Cobden Racecourse Reserve and Simpson & District Community Centre Committee.

Cr Trotter said some of his highlights during his time of council were becoming debt-free, the shire's streetscape upgrades and securing money for the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan.

"Getting council out of debt was a big one for us and has put us in a good position," he said.

"Projects I'm pleased about is the streetscape updates and the Rail Trail extension from Timboon to Port Campbell, that was a very good win and one we'd been advocating for a long time.

"The spending from the state and federal governments as part of the Geelong City Deal to upgrade Port Campbell and spending on the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan was another one.

"It was a long hard process of advocacy to get some of those projects up."

For Cr Trotter, the most rewarding part was seeing the passion of the community and the impact his work had on the region he lives in and loves.

"It's been really rewarding getting around to the community, it's the best part of the job meeting with all the people throughout the shire.

"I've always found the Australia Day Ceremony and awarding community volunteers really enjoyable.

"I'll miss our staff, we've been fortunate to have a good relationship with them and thank them for all the work they do."

He said the post-pandemic climate will be a difficult one to navigate for the future council.

"We're already seeing cutbacks in funding, we lost $300,000 last week so we're seeing a reduction in grants already," he said.

"There will be quite a few projects that don't go ahead I think.

"Being on council has been a big learning experience, it takes you out of your comfort zone and you get to make decisions on behalf of your community.

"Public speaking was never a strong point for me before joining council," he added with a laugh.

Central Ward's Cr Durant said the desire to spend more time with family prompted her to step down at the end of this term.

"It took a lot of consideration and as much as I've enjoyed my time on council very much, another four years was too big a commitment for me right now," she said.

"During the first lockdown I was able to take stock and evaluate where my life was at and I think this will be a good opportunity for other people in the community to stand, I encourage anyone interested to nominate.

"The last council election we had four new councillors and we are a strong team and have a really positive culture which will no doubt continue."

Cr Durant lives in Noorat with her husband Rob. They have two adult daughters, Katherine and Stephanie.

Prior to retiring in 2015, Helen worked for 22 years at Corangamite Shire, mostly as manager of community services.

Since retiring she became more involved in her local community and ran for council.

For outgoing councillor Lesley Brown, some of the best moments on council were seeing projects get underway in the North Ward.

"I have mixed feelings, I would have stayed on if the elections had been delayed of course, and at my stage of life and family commitments meant I couldn't see myself able to stay another four years," she said.

"If it was a year or two I would have thought about it, but it's a long time.

"Working with the community and everyone at council has been fantastic, some highlights have been the water tower at Lismore with Jimmi Buscombe and the Skipton Skate Park.

"From potholes on road surfaces to Port Campbell working to get the rail trail through has all been fantastic.

"Being in a position to help the community with their ideas is very rewarding."

Cr Brown and her husband, Charlie live on their property just south of Mount Elephant, Derrinallum.

They are the third generation of the Brown family to live and work the farm, before semi-retiring.

They have four adult children who live in different parts of the country.

Cr Brown has been very active in her local community, has worked in various administrative positions, and held many volunteering roles, including 10 years as President of the Mount Elephant Committee.

"The next council has an enormous task to get past this virus and get the economy back on track.

"It's a really challenging position but it's very rewarding for personal development, I've grown a lot doing this role and if anyone is interested it's a really good thing.

"Corangamite Shire are very supportive so you don't have to be frightened that you don't have the skills, you will learn.

"It's a bit sad to be leaving after four years, it's really felt like an era and there will be a hole to fill in my life when it's over."

Cr Simon Illingworth will not stand at the next election and will instead take a job with Moyne Shire Council.

The Coastal Ward councillor, who looks after Princetown, Port Campbell and Simpson said the decision was made with "some regret".

"It is with some regret, but I am finishing as councillor at this election. I have been offered a job at Moyne Shire which I have accepted," he said.

"I will not re-contest the election in October and I would like to give the community time to encourage suitable candidates.

"I'm proud to leave the shire in a financial state that is the envy of every council in Victoria."

READ MORE: Corangamite Shire councillor Simon Illingworth takes job at Moyne Shire Council

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