Cr John White new Mayor

Councillor John White is the new Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council.

Cr White was elected to the position for the next 12 months at tonight’s Statutory Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Bairnsdale. He becomes the 16th Mayor of East Gippsland. Cr Ben Buckley will be his deputy.

Elected to Council in 2016, Cr White said he will continue to use his good ear and listen to the concerns of the community.

“I will be the conduit to hear the stories of the community and share the stories that are often not told,” he said.

“For 46 years I have lived in this region as a grazier at Lindenow South . . . this region is something to be admired. It’s an honour to be elected Mayor,” Cr White said.

He said there was great experience in the council chamber to continue to advance East Gippsland.

“East Gippsland has a Council that consists of five former mayors (Crs Pelz, Ellis, Rettino, O’Connell and Reeves), a former shire president (Cr Buckley, former Omeo Shire), and a former Deputy Mayor (Cr Toohey). This is significant experience,” he said.

Cr White praised the work of outgoing mayor Cr Natalie O’Connell for her leadership over the past 12 months, particularly with drought advocacy.

“The work Cr O’Connell has done in securing Government support for our farmers and communities

I hope I don’t have to follow in her footsteps in continuing that drought advocacy. But, if we don’t receive the drought-breaking rains I will continue to lead that advocacy.”