Cr Ewart-Kennedy thanks community for support

Outgoing Strathbogie Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy has thanked our community for its support over the past year. 

Cr Ewart-Kennedy’s 12-month term as Mayor ended on Tuesday when Cr Scott Jeffrey was elected Strathbogie’s next mayor and she was elected Deputy Mayor.  

Cr Ewart-Kennedy said it was a real honour to represent the best shire in Australia. 

“The interaction with the community on all different levels has been a real highlight,” she said. “I’ve found it really rewarding being out in the community and being part of this fantastic region.  

“I am particularly proud of introducing things like Cuppa with a Councillor and making sure that all areas of our community were engaged with – not just one town. That’s been a real focus for our council group to ensure all communities are heard and valued.  

“And I think the thing I am proudest of is that we have a council group that is functional and listening to the community, always putting the community at the forefront of all we do as that is our job as councillors.”  

Cr Ewart-Kennedy said her first year on council had been challenging with a range of issues impacting the lives of so many in the shire. 

“It’s been a very difficult period for our community with increased living costs, the drought, the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy, and the VicGrid legislation,” she said. “These issues have had a big impact on our community. 

“As mayor, I’m proud of the way we have approached the work we have undertaken and, more importantly, we have restored integrity, respect and work ethic to the Council.” 

Cr Ewart-Kennedy said highlights of the year included being Chair of the Hume Region Local Government Network, coordinating and formalising the council’s advocacy efforts. 

“The economic roundtables and focus on economic development have been very good, and we have really stepped up our advocacy directly to Federal and State ministers with delegations to Melbourne and Canberra in the past 12 months. Our council has been committed to being proactive and supportive to our local businesses.” 

Cr Ewart-Kennedy thanked her deputy mayor, Cr Scott Jeffery, for his support and described it as “a valuable partnership”.  

“Big congratulations to Mayor Jeffrey on being elected and I look forward to supporting him as his Deputy. 

“I want to pay enormous homage to my family who have been a tower of strength. I’d also like to thank my fellow councillors, the executive team and staff at the council who have been very supportive and allowed me to get on with the job. 

“As a woman, as a mayor, as a councillor, as a mum, as a farmer and business owner you don’t get to where you are without having a few good girlfriends, and they have been enormously supportive. I feel very blessed, and a big shoutout to them. They know who they are.  

“My mantra in life is #ittakesavillage and being a mayor and councillor is no different.” 

Cr Ewart-Kennedy said her work for the Shire would continue with a focus on economic development, advocacy and community connectedness as the priorities. 

“I’d love to see the Greening Euroa and Kirwans Bridge projects get up and I’d love to see reliable energy and internet for our community, and that we do what we can to secure affordable housing and employment opportunities. Enabling infrastructure is what we are pushing very hard for all the time. This community matters enormously and I think if we can play some small role in that, then that would be great for the community. 

“I am grateful for the confidence demonstrated in me by the councillor group and the community support throughout my tenure as Mayor and I look forward to continuing the progress we have made well into the future.”