Council & Politics
14 November, 2024
Karen Hyslop elected as Northern Grampians mayor in new era of council
Cr Karen Hyslop Leads New Team as Northern Grampians Mayor
Northern Grampians Shire Council's new era has officially begun with Cr Karen Hyslop unanimously elected as mayor at the council's statutory meeting.
Cr Hyslop was unanimously elected to the post at the statutory meeting at the Pleasant Creek Historic Precinct on Wednesday, November 13, by returning incumbent Murray Emmerson and first-term councillors Justine Hide, Jenny Greenberger, Jack Blake and Karen Probst.
Now in her fourth term, Cr Hyslop expressed enthusiasm for leading the municipality alongside a refreshed council team.
She highlighted priorities and emphasised a commitment to community engagement and growth.
The new mayor said she aimed to strengthen relationships with state and federal governments to support the Shire's development over the next four years.
"We have a great new team here tonight - four new fresh faces and two of us with prior knowledge - all of us with enthusiasm to the best we can be for the amazing Shire and community," Cr Hyslop said.
"We welcome the opportunity to lead the Northern Grampians Shire.
"We have strong foundations to build on and will work hard to develop and enhance the Shire, which has so much to offer.
"We will also focus on building strong relationships with the state and federal government, stakeholders and the community to promote and strengthen strong, positive growth."
Cr Hyslop highlighted some issues the council would look to address during the four-year term.
"Some of the key challenges that our Shire faces are a lack of housing, renewable energy and the council's financial sustainability," she said.
"I look forward to working with our incredible councillors, community, executive team and CEO to advocate for and address some of our key challenges, ensure a happy, vibrant community, and ensure the shire is financially sustainable now and into the future."
Cr Hide was elected as deputy mayor for one year.
Ahead of the statutory meeting, Cr Hyslop encouraged the four new councillors to stay true to themselves.
"Be yourself, and be there to support each other," she said on November 8.
"I think for a team to work effectively, everyone has to contribute. I think to achieve what we want to do, we've got to work as a team."
Cr Hyslop said being a councillor is rewarding, however, it can easily become a burden if the six representatives cannot work harmoniously.
"There's a lot to gain out of being on the council," she said.
"It's so rewarding, but if you don't work as a team, you can get bogged down... by the policies and the politics.
"I think being open, honest and transparent, people will understand you a lot better."
Retiring councillors Kevin Erwin, Rob Haswell, Lauren Dempsey, Trevor Gready and Dr Eddy Ostarcevic were thanked for their services to the community.
In a moving moment, longtime colleague Cr Emerson presented Mr Erwin with a gift for his 21 years on council.
"I feel in a strange place," Cr Emerson said.
"I always felt that I would receive a gift from Kevin upon my retirement, not the other way."
Cr Emerson highlighted Mr Erwin's outstanding service and said he would call upon his expertise often during the next four years.
The five-time mayor highlighted the establishment of Grampians Tourism (not Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism), Stawell Water and Natural Solutions, and the creation of the Halls Gap bridge were fond memories of his time.
"It was indeed a pleasure to be a part of this council; it was a real honour," Mr Erwin said.
"To the wonderful staff that I've met, the eight or nine CEOs I've worked with, and my lovely wife, daughters and granddaughters, thank you for your wonderful support over this time."
Redistribution eliminated four incumbents
The redistribution of votes from the 2024 council election on November 7 saw Mr Erwin, Mr Haswell, Ms Dempsey and Mr Gready eliminated.
Cr Hyslop earned 596 and Ms Greenberger won 539 first preference votes, respectively; however, it was not enough to get them across the line.
With the fewest votes, Mr Haswell was first eliminated, followed by challenger Lachlan Eckert and Ms Dempsey.
In the Grampians Ward, Mrs Hide (662 first preference votes) and Mr Blake (659) grabbed the much-needed preferences, pushing out Mr Gready (640) and Lisa Whyte (486).
With the fewest votes, Ms Whyte was first to be eliminated; after redistribution, Mrs Hide was elected.
The redistribution of Mrs Hide's surplus brought Mr Blake's vote total to 837 votes, defeating Mr Gready on 793.
In the Kara Kara Ward, local Karen Probst (1432 votes) amassed more than half of the first preference votes.
Cr Emerson (378) defeated challengers Terrence Robertson (205), Ross Hudson (202) and John Farrell (182) following the redistribution of votes.
After Ms Probst's surplus redistribution, Mr Farrell was eliminated, followed by Mr Hudson.
After redistribution, Cr Emerson defeated Mr Robertson by 872 votes to 723.