Elected again on Indigo Shire Council, Rutherglen’s Roberta Horne (pictured centre here) has been a strong advocator for improving traffic flow and safety on Rutherglen’s Main Street.
Rutherglen’s Roberta Horne celebrates her re-election to Indigo Shire Council, joining four new councillors in a surprising shake-up that edged Bernard Gaffney out.
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Ms Horne received a strong endorsement after receiving the fourth highest primary vote and following preferences, was the fifth elected candidate on the seven-member councillor group.
New to council will be, in order with the most overall votes of the new councillors, Jane Dowsley (Yackandandah), John Harvey (Beechworth) Scott Landells (Chiltern) and Greg Bourke (Tangambalanga).
They replace retiring councillors Sue Gold and Peter Croucher, and unsuccessful sitting councillors Bernard Gaffney and Emmerick Teissl.
Bernard Gaffney served as a former mayor for five terms and deputy mayor for five terms in a local government career spanning 16 years.
Mr Gaffney’s non selection was a shock. After the primary votes were counted, he was sixth. “I’m not sorry – I have a very good record,” the former mayor for five terms and deputy mayor for five terms in a local government career spanning 16 years, told The Free Press.
“I did well in the primary vote, it was only the preferential vote that cost me. There are no sour grapes.
“I really enjoyed all of my time on council. I just hope for your readers in particular there will be very good representation for Rutherglen and Wahgunyah.
“Those two communities have enormous economic benefit and I believe Roberta will continue to represent the people well.”
Incumbent mayor Sophie Price from Barnawartha received the most votes. Also retaining her position on Indigo Shire Council is Daine Shepheard who edged out Mr Gaffney for the final spot.
Ms Horne was thrilled with her ringing endorsement and the many congratulatory messages she has received from voters throughout Indigo Shire.
“Thank you to the people who voted for me, to the people from all over the shire getting me up,” the town’s Main Street warrior for improved safety said.
“You need other good people for success. We have a strong voice here in Rutherglen and I’m absolutely delighted with the new councillors – they are good, solid people.”
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