Last night's City of Greater Bendigo council meeting was the final event of its type for outgoing councillors James Williams and Matt Emond.
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And while the electoral fate of the remaining councillors remains in the hands of voters, the occasion cannot be allowed to pass without acknowledging Cr Williams and Cr Emond for their service to this community.
Local government both expects and commands a lot from those elected to represent and serve the community, and there's no doubt both these individuals would have made many sacrifices and given up a lot of their time, over and above what would otherwise be expected, during their stints as councillors.
Cr Williams has served two terms as an elected representative in Whipstick Ward, while Cr Emond has served a solitary term as a Lockwood Ward councillor.
While some may argue councillors are financially compensated for their efforts, the allowances payable in accordance with Victorian regulations in no way reflects the work our councillors undertake.
This is also an appropriate time to acknowledge all those who have put themselves forward for consideration at the council elections currently underway.
It takes a lot to stand up and be willing to assume such an important role, and regardless of any candidate's individual beliefs, priorities, background or experience, they all deserve and thanks and congratulations for playing such an important part in the democratic process we're all part of.
Every election, we get used to saying the next term of local government will be crucial to our city's future, and that we need candidates with vision and an understanding of the local community.
Give the challenges we have faced in 2020 due to the impacts of the global pandemic, those challenges will be many, and for many years to come.