Gannawarra elects new mayor

By Ryan Bellingham

Dec 2, 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council has a new mayor. Pictured are Deputy Mayor Ross Stanton and Mayor Garner Smith. Photo by Supplied

Gannawarra Shire Council elected its 12th mayor in the district’s 30-year history on Monday, November 18.

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Garner Smith will hold the position for the next 12 months, replacing Ross Stanton, who was elected as deputy mayor.

First elected to the council in 2020, Cr Smith was one of four re-elected councillors during the recent Victorian council elections.

Cr Smith said he appreciated the faith placed in him by community members and fellow councillors.

“I believe we have a strong group of councillors, who can offer the leadership and the direction that can bring Gannawarra along, as a united community,” Cr Smith said.

“We have the development of the next council plan coming up; a process I am looking forward to as it will define the work council does in the community for the next four years.

“If we get this document right and bring the community along with developing this document, I believe we will have a very good four-year period.”

Gannawarra councillors Keith Link, Pat Quinn, Ross Stanton, Garner Smith, Charlie Gillingham, Daniel Bolitho and Lisa Farrant. Photo by Supplied

Cr Smith thanked Cr Stanton for his efforts over the previous year, as well as Charlie Gillingham for his previous three years as mayor.

Cr Stanton said it was a privilege to represent his fellow councillors and the Gannawarra community as their mayor.

“During my term, I believe I represented council, my fellow councillors and the community in a positive, professional and respectful manner, always looking to support our community and the direction of council,” he said.