Gannawarra Mayor's service honour

Published on 17 October 2023

Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor, Cr Charlie Gillingham has been recognised by the Municipal Association of Victoria for his service to the community.

Mayor Gillingham received a Mayor Emeritus Award during the MAV’s Victorian Councillor Service Awards, announced on 12 October, recognising his three terms as Mayor.

First elected as Council’s Avoca Ward representative in 2016, Mayor Gillingham held the position of Deputy Mayor during three of his first four years as an elected representative and has been Mayor for the past three years.

“It is an honour to receive this accolade and be recognised alongside those who have dedicated themselves to serving their residents,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“It has been a challenging few years thanks to drought, the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 floods, however it is inspiring to see how residents unite during these times.

“It has also been pleasing to see how the Gannawarra has transformed during the past seven years, thanks to key infrastructure projects that have been completed throughout the municipality.”

Mayor Gillingham is the fifth current or former Gannawarra Shire councillor to receive this accolade, following on from Lorraine Learmonth in 2020, Keith den Houting and Neville Goulding, who were recognised in 2015, and Lui Basile in 2009.

“Gannawarra Shire Council congratulates Charlie on this prestigious accolade, which recognises his commitment to not just the communities within the Avoca Ward, but the entire municipality,” Gannawarra Shire Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Roger Griffiths said.

ABOVE: Mayor Charlie Gillingham (centre) with Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson (left) and Cr Travis Collier (right) after receiving his Municipal Association of Victoria Mayor Emeritus Award.