Council
21 November, 2024
Cr Ian Ross unanimously elected as mayor of Horsham Rural City Council
Successful incumbent councillor elected mayor for 12 months.
In front of about 35 family members and friends, the Horsham Rural City Council elected members were sworn in for the next four-year council term and the election of the new mayor.
With just one nomination, the lone successful incumbent, Cr Ian Ross, was elected mayor unopposed for a 12-month term.
Cr Ross was nominated by Cr Rebecca Sluggett, and Cr Cam McDonald seconded the nomination.
Cr Sluggett said she believed Cr Ross was the best choice to lead the new council because he was the only one with experience, having served a four-year term on the previous council.
Cr Ross pledged to lead the council that would be focussed on delivering for the community as he guides the Council for the next 12 months.
It is the second term for the Telangatuk East farm manager, who has had long-held associations with community groups, including sporting clubs, Apex, the Victorian Farmers Federation, CFA, Kanagulk Landcare, and local churches.
He spent 13 years as director of the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority.
Councillors voted not to elect a deputy mayor.
Cr Ross said he would endeavour to make the next year productive and enjoyable for the councillors.
He thanked his fellow councillors for trusting him to be mayor.
"After participating in induction programs in recent weeks, I can honestly say that I'm very confident that we're all here for the right reason - to do the best for the community," he said in his acceptance speech.
The mayor said the council had a big job ahead of them, but first, it had to restore the community's trust.
"I am very confident that our new council group will work together constructively for the betterment of the community," he said.
"The Wimmera is a great community to be a part of. We have a wonderful opportunity to maintain what is good about our part of the world while striving towards improving where it's needed."
An emotional Cr Ross paid tribute to his wife, Kathy, whose support, he said, made it possible for him to carry out his community roles.
Mrs Ross was unsuccessful in the 2024 election in her bid for a seat at the council table in Horsham North Ward.
The mayor leads the first council elected since the introduction of wards to the HRCC following a 2023 State Government review. Cr Ross was elected to Pine Lake Ward in the October election.
Interim chief executive Craig Nieman chaired the meeting and oversaw the swearing-in of councillors and the mayor.