Council
15 November, 2024
Hindmarsh Shire Council opts for experience in electing Cr Ron Ismay mayor
Cr Ron Ismay elected Hindmarsh Shire Council mayor.
Councillor Ron Ismay has been elected mayor of the Hindmarsh Shire council as the shire's new representatives were sworn into office at a statutory meeting on Wednesday, November 13.
Cr Ismay, who is beginning his fourth term as a Hindmarsh Shire Councillor, is the only previous councillor to be returning to HSC, following the 2024 local government elections, and will serve a one-year term as mayor.
When addressing the chambers ahead of the vote he referred to his 11 years of experience on the Hindmarsh Shire Council, as well as a further eight serving the Shire of Dimboola.
He spoke of his three previous terms as Hindmarsh Shire mayor.
Alongside Cr Ismay, Cr Chan Uoy and Cr Rosie Barker were also nominated for mayor.
"Thank you to those around the table who supported this decision," Councillor Ismay said.
"I pay tribute to the other two councillors who were nominated and I believe they will be quite capable taking on this role in the future.
"I look forward to working with everyone. I believe we need change, and our CEO is certainly the one to do so."
Speaking ahead of the mayoral vote, Cr Uoy and Cr Barker both spoke on the community wanting change.
"The majority of the community elected me to deliver on my vision for revitalisation in the shire," Cr Uoy said.
"I represent the positive change that the community wants."
Cr Uoy also highlighted the fact that no previous councillor was re-elected by the community. Cr Ismay was re-elected unopposed in HSC's west ward.
"The community needs to see change taking place for change to happen, and the mayor's role represents this," he said.
Change was also a topic Cr Barker highlighted.
"The community wants change, they want fresh energy," she said.
"We have a new CEO, we have new councillors, we have new council staff and the first mayor for the term sets the tone for the future, I think that should be one of change."
But, Cr James Barry, Cr Tony Clark and Cr Roger Aitken favoured Cr Ismay's experience.
Cr Ismay received four of the possible six votes and was elected Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor.
Cr Uoy was elected deputy mayor.