Commitment to community recognised

Published on 04 November 2020

Former Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor, Lorraine Learmonth has been recognised by the Municipal Association of Victoria for her service to the community.

Mrs Learmonth was presented with a Mayor Emeritus Award during the MAV’s Victorian Councillor Service Awards, announced online on 9 October.

The former Yarran Ward representative, who did not seek re-election during the recent local government elections, was recognised for serving three terms as Mayor during her eight years on Council.

First elected to Council in 2012, Mrs Learmonth served her first term as Mayor between November 2015 and October 2016, and was Council’s most recent Mayor, holding the position between November 2018 and last month.

“It is an honour to be the first woman to serve three terms as Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor, and I would like to encourage all women to accept the challenge of taking on leadership roles in their communities,” Mrs Learmonth said.

“It has been pleasing to see during the past eight years Council continue to maintain key services, expand its role in community services by becoming a National Disability Insurance Scheme provider, foster growth in the arts and see the Gannawarra’s popularity as a tourism destination increase.”

Mrs Learmonth is the fourth former Gannawarra Shire councillor to receive this accolade, following on from Keith den Houting and Neville Goulding, who were recognised in 2015, and Lui Basile in 2009.

“Gannawarra Shire Council congratulates Lorraine Learmonth on this prestigious accolade, which recognises her commitment to not just the communities within the Yarran Ward, but the entire municipality,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.