Hindmarsh Annual Statutory Meeting 2019
Published on 07 November 2019
At Hindmarsh Shire Council’s Annual Statutory Meeting held on Wednesday 6 November 2019, Cr Rob Gersch was elected Mayor for the coming 12 months, in a three-way contest with Cr Debra Nelson and Cr Ron Ismay. Cr David Colbert was elected as Deputy Mayor unopposed.
The majority of the councilors spoke in support of Cr Gersch as the newly elected Mayor. Cr Tony Schneider spoke highly of Cr Gersch, congratulating him and saying “he is an experienced hand at the role, with years of experience and knowledge” Cr Schneider also thanked Cr Ismay for his term as Mayor, for bringing a fresh dynamism, energy and enthusiasm.” Cr Ismay congratulated Cr Gersch and referred to their friendship as they are good mates. Cr Colbert and Cr Lowe also made similar comments and congratulatory remarks to Cr Gersch.
Cr Gersch responded, saying “thank you to my fellow colleagues, we have enjoyed serving as councillors together over the last three years and I look forward to fulfilling the remaining year together.”
The Councillors appointed delegates to Council advisory committees, Section 86 Committees and external organisations.
Following the meeting, the Hindmarsh Shire Council long term staff service awards were presented. Dorothy Austin (15 years), Glenda Keller (30 years), Donald Fritsch (35 years), Trevor Merrett (30 years), Barry Parker (30 years), Heather Richards (45 years), Garry Salt (15 years) and Joel Schulze (15 years) all received service awards for their many years of contribution to Council. This is an especially impressive effort for Heather Richards with 45 years service. Apologies for the staff service awards were Merelyn Bridgewater (15 years), Malcolm Cole (15 years), David Fischer (25 years), Rod McKenzie (40 years), Leon Gilbert (15 years) and James Turrell (15 years) who unfortunately couldn’t be in attendance.
Mayor Cr Gersch said “It is great to be able to recognise our long serving employees. They will have all seen a great deal of change during their time, but it is a credit to them to have been dedicated to Council and bettering the community for all these years.”
Hindmarsh Shire Council also announced their 2020 Youth Council, the Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council for 2020 is North Ward: Jasmine Robins, Tessa Leach, Gracie Hurlstone, Clarissa Bigham, East Ward: Chloe Baker, Charlotte Revell, Jack Kalms, Tehya Clake, West Ward: Alexis Farmers, Trinity Cannell, Lani Elliott and Laine Crafter. Congratulations to our youth councillors, Hindmarsh looks forward to hearing from you during 2020! Also included in the 2020 Youth Council will be the Young Citizen of the Year when awarded in January 2020.
Cr Gersch said, “We really enjoyed welcoming our new youth councillors to the Hindmarsh Shire Council. We can’t wait to see the outcomes of the initiatives that the 2020 Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council comes up with” adding, “it was also pleasing to see so many family and friends join us in celebrating these young leaders in our community. On behalf of Hindmarsh Shire Council I congratulate all newly elected youth councillors, it is an honour to work with such passionate young people”.
After the official proceedings, all guests were invited to participate in a light supper and refreshments and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Greg Wood
Chief Executive Officer