Keith Wolahan (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We recently had council elections in Victoria, and I want to single out those who lost their wards or retired and to thank them for their service. It is often said that government is most effective when it's closest to the people. Local councils play a vital role in grassroots democracy. They don't just bring services to the community; they bring communities together. I will always work closely with the local counsellors.

From Whitehorse, I want to thank Andrew Munroe, Trudy Skilbeck, Amanda McNeill, Denise Massoud, Mark Lane, Tina Liu and Raylene Carr. Many of you served as mayors and deputy mayors. I don't just count you as colleagues, in serving the community, but as friends. Cynthia Watson, in the Boroondara ward that will overlap the new Menzies, I thank you for your service. Finally, to the three councillors in Manningham, Tomas Lightbody, Stephen Mayne, who many will recognise, and Michelle Kleinert, all of you, in all three local government areas, have gone above and beyond to serve your wards. I appreciate what you have done for our communities, and I look forward to working with those who take the mantle from you.

To that end, I acknowledge the new mayors and deputy mayors of Manningham and Whitehorse. To Deirdre Diamante and Andrew Conlon, and to Andrew Davenport and Prue Cutts, I look forward to working with you to serve our communities.