GANNAWARRA Shire Council’s current and future mayors will now have a close reminder of those who served as civic leaders before them.
Four former mayors and the widow of another were guests when the current mayor, Cr Brian Gibson unveiled Gannawarra Shire Council’s new mayoral chain of office.
The new regalia will adorn the mayoral robes on ceremonial occasions, including the annual ceremony to install council’s leader.
The shire was created in 1995 through the amalgamation of the former Borough of Kerang and the former Shires of Cohuna and Kerang. It was administered by three commissioners before the first council was elected two years later.
The council chambers in Kerang have honour boards listing shire presidents of the former Kerang Shire Council, Kerang Borough Council mayors and Gannawarra Shire Council mayors since its inaugural mayor, the late Olly Jane, OAM, was elected in 1997.
Former Cohuna Shire councillors are recognised on an honour board in their former chambers, which now serves as a community meeting room.
The mayoral regalia has a burgundy collar with the names of mayors on either side of the front and the shire logo on the bottom.
Mr Jane’s widow, Pat, was invited to wear the regalia during a ceremony at council’s December meeting as a tribute to her husband, an esteemed citizen who died earlier this year. He served as mayor in 1997-1998 and in 1998-1999.
Four past mayors each took a turn at wearing the chain of office.
Jenny Kelly, who is currently the president of the Rotary Club of Kerang, was mayor in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001.
The late Don Harris served three successive terms between 2001 and 2004.
Lui Basile, who was mayor in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 was unable to attend the ceremony. He is also a past mayor of the Borough of Kerang.
Keith den Houting was mayor for three terms between 2007 and 2010.
Max Fehring served two terms between 2010 and 2012.
Neville Goulding was unable to attend. He served three terms between 2012 and 2015.
Cr Lorraine Learmonth was mayor in 2015-2016 and her successor, Cr Brian Gibson is serving his second term as mayor.
