Cr Ross Stanton elected Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor

Cr Ross Stanton elected Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor

Cr Ross Stanton will hold the position of Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor for the next month after being elected to the role on Wednesday, 21 October.

An election of a new Mayor for the remainder of the 2025/26 mayoral term was required after former Mayor, Cr Garner Smith stepped down from the role at the end of September following his nomination as a candidate for the Murray Plains electorate in November's State Election.

Mayor Stanton will hold the position until Council's annual Mayoral election, occurring prior to Council's next meeting on Wednesday, 18 November 2026.

"Thank you to Cr Garner Smith for the work he has undertaken as Mayor for the past two years. He has done a fantastic job in representing Council and the community during his time in the role," Mayor Stanton said.

"I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors, Council staff and residents in advocating for our community's needs leading up to the State election."

An election for Deputy Mayor was also required, with Cr Daniel Bolitho elected to the role for the same period.

"I look forward to supporting Mayor Stanton over the next month in my role as Deputy Mayor," Cr Bolitho said.

"The Gannawarra is experiencing a transitional period, so it is important that we continue to raise our residents' concerns with all those involved in next month's State election."

In his outgoing mayoral address, Cr Smith highlighted how fondly he reflects on his two years in the role, the relationships developed and his personal growth.

"Holding the position of Mayor and the responsibilities that come with it, such as chairing meetings, representing Council at functions and advocating on behalf of our community, has been an enjoyable experience and one that has made me become a better person," Cr Smith said.

"There has never been a more significant period in the Gannawarra's history than the one we have experienced over the past 12 months. Projects such as VHM's mineral sands mine, VNI West and various renewable energy developments, along with issues relating to housing, water availability and the Sustainable Communities Fund, are all impacting our communities. Many of these issues remain unresolved.

"I would like to thank Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson, Council staff, Cr Ross Stanton for his work as Deputy Mayor, my fellow Councillors and the community for their support. It's good to work with people you enjoy working with."

TOP: Deputy Mayor, Cr Daniel Bolitho (left) and Mayor Ross Stanton will hold their respective roles for the remainder of the 2025/26 Gannawarra Shire Council Mayoral term.

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