With a new South Gippsland Shire Mayor set to be elected in today's Council meeting (19 November), it’s rumoured that councillors will be asked to choose between Sarah Gilligan, Scott Rae, and Nathan Hersey.
Council watchers are also keeping a keen eye on the Deputy Mayoral race, which is also likely to be closely contested between multiple councillors.
One insider told the Prom Coast News, "From the community's perspective, the important thing is that the council continues to work well together. It's a tricky time in the group, there's a lot riding on it."
Current Deputy Mayor, Sarah Gilligan, has served on the council for four years, and alongside fellow candidate Scott Rae, represents the Prom Coast Ward. Nathan Hersey represents the Strzelecki Ward, and has also served for four years.
Recently, Scott Rae has been an active voice campaigning against the state government's Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy, prominently voicing his position in local and state media. Sarah is on the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Climate Futures panel and is a vocal proponent for timely and community led climate adaptation as rising sea levels impact the Prom Coast. Nathan Hersey is the Chair of One Gippsland, the peak body representing Gippsland’s issues to the state and commonwealth governments.
It is unknown how the six councillors not standing for the Mayoralty will cast their vote.
Mayor John Schelling has reflected on his year at the top, saying that he is proud of what the Council has achieved together. “From appointing a new CEO and supporting a new leadership team, to advocating strongly at local, state, and national levels, we have laid the foundation for a stronger future,” he wrote in his weekly message.
Schelling has also thrown his weight behind his as yet unknown successor, noting, “I wish our incoming Mayor every success and offer my full support as they take on this important role.” Cara Schultz
