Published on Wednesday, 25 October 2023 at 6:49:08 PM
The Shire of Dardanup’s new team of councillors were officially sworn in at the Special Council Meeting today.
Four councillors have been elected for a four-year term (2023-2027) including, Tony Jenour, Stacey Gillespie, Mark Hutchinson and Taneta Bell.
Councillors Jack Manoni and Annette Webster have been elected for a two-year term (2023-2025).
While councillors who were not up for election, Tyrrell Gardiner, Ellen Lilly and Luke Davies, have terms until 2025.
The ceremony required each elected councillor to make a declaration, committing to serving their community with integrity and dedication.
The Shire of Dardanup CEO, André Schönfeldt, said the formal ceremony not only welcomed the new Council, but also recognised the impressive contribution from the previous Council during the last term, including the departure of outgoing Shire President Cr Mick Bennett, after 28 years’ service in Local Government.
Mr Schönfeldt paid tribute to the outgoing councillors Peter Robinson and Patricia Perks and welcomed the new team, which he believes boasts a great mix of skills and experience.
“We officially welcome the new team of councillors who are all bringing their own abilities and strengths to the table, and we are confident they will continue to help our Shire embrace new opportunities and achievements in the years ahead.”
At the Special Council Meeting, Councillors voted Cr Gardiner as the new Shire President and Cr Lilly as the new Deputy Shire President for the next two years.
As a fourth-generation councillor and following in the footsteps of his father John, who was Shire President from 2011-2013, Cr Gardiner said it was a huge honour to be voted in as President, having held the Deputy role for two years.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team, we have a good mix of councillors. I will do the job with the same humility as our former President Mick (Bennett) and will do it to the best of my ability,” Cr Gardiner said.
“It’s an exciting time for our Shire and I’m keen to embrace new opportunities that continue to see our community thrive.”
Newly elected Deputy President Cr Lilly thanked her fellow councillors for their support and, highlighted her desire to work collaboratively as a robust new team.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be in the Deputy President’s role and look forward to striving to reach all the outcomes we have committed to over these past few years,” Cr Lilly said.
“I have a real passion for our Shire’s youth, and I want to help them become the best versions of themselves through support and collaboration with our community.”
Photo: Members of the new Shire of Dardanup Council are (back, from left) Councillors Luke Davies, Taneta Bell, Stacey Gillespie, Jack Manoni, Mark Hutchinson and Tony Jenour, and Annette Webster (front, from left) Shire of Dardanup CEO André Schönfeldt, Shire President Tyrrell Gardiner and Deputy President Ellen Lilly.
Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Communications Officer | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.
Back to All News