Published on Monday, 21 October 2024 at 8:40:36 AM
Councillor Wayne Fewster has officially tendered his resignation as Shire President and councillor for the Shire of Gingin, effective 18 October 2024, after 25 years of service.
Cr Fewster was first elected to Council in 1993 and has served two terms as a councillor from 1993-2009 and 2015-2024, and two terms as Shire President from 2007-2009 and 2019-2024.
Cr Fewster’s desire to spend more time with his family and pursue new interests played a significant part in his decision to step down from Council.
“Deciding to step away from my role on Council after so many years wasn’t easy, but it’s time for a change and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life to enjoy some different pursuits,” said Cr Fewster.
During his time as a councillor and Shire President, Cr Fewster has been the driver of many projects and initiatives supporting communities in Gingin, Guilderton, Seabird, Ledge Point and Lancelin. He has been a staunch supporter of emergency and volunteer services, and a strong advocate for economic growth which has resulted in the rapid rise of residential and commercial land developments within the Shire in recent years.
Cr Fewster has represented the Shire on numerous committees and groups, including the Bush Fire Advisory Committee, Local Emergency Management Committee, Audit Committee, Coastal Projects Steering Committee, CEO Performance Review Committee, Plant Advisory Group, Guilderton Caravan Park & Foreshore Development Advisory Group, Guilderton Foreshore Development Working Group, Upper Coastal Sporting Facilities Working Group, Wheatbelt North Regional Road Group - Moora Sub-Group, Waste Management Advisory Group, and Medical Facilities Advisory Group.
He is also a volunteer firefighter and Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer with the Beermullah and Gingin South Bushfire Brigades.
“I've thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as Councillor, it has been a deeply rewarding experience,” he said. “I’ve been privileged to work with some wonderful professional people at the Shire who don’t get the recognition they deserve and made some great friends along the way.
“When thinking back on what I’m most proud of, it’s how well the community works together when things get tough - especially the vast array of volunteers and community groups who do so much.
“I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors – past and present – for their guidance and support. It has been an honour to work with a diverse and dedicated group of community leaders.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Aaron Cook for his service to Council as CEO and all the help and support he has given me during my recent time as Shire President – it is greatly appreciated.
“I want to thank the Shire staff for all their hard work, for undertaking their roles with the utmost dedication, and for their service to our community.
“I’d like to give special acknowledgement to the following administration staff who I’ve worked closely with as Shire President: Les Crichton, Karen Okely, Lee-Anne Burt and Meredith Taylor who have helped and guided me through a gamut of organisational, governance and communication issues during this time.
“Lastly and importantly, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to my family. It hasn’t been easy at times and I’m very grateful for their love, patience and support while I’ve been on Council.
“I wish the next incoming president, councillors and staff all the best in the future - I can assure the community that they are in good hands with the team at the Shire.”
Deputy Shire President Linda Balcombe paid tribute to Cr Fewster saying: “On behalf of Council I would like to thank Wayne for his outstanding leadership and passion for the Shire of Gingin.
“I don’t think people realise how much Wayne has given to our community – he has worked tirelessly alongside community groups for many years on a range of projects that have been vital to adding to community capacity. He is also very generous with his time, assisting anyone who asks. His length of service to our Shire has been invaluable, and his leadership and guidance will be greatly missed.”
The Shire Administration reluctantly accepted Cr Fewster’s resignation, with outgoing CEO Mr Aaron Cook saying: “We are sad to see Wayne go. His contribution to the Gingin Shire community has been second to none, and on behalf of the Shire staff I extend our deepest thanks to Cr Fewster for his commitment to the Shire of Gingin, and for his hard work and effort in making our Shire a great place to live and work.”
Cr Fewster’s resignation creates a vacancy on Council which will be filled in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995.
The Act states where a vacancy occurs it should be offered to the candidate who received the next highest number of votes during the most recent Local Government election, and as such the position has been offered to Ms Andrea Vis. Ms Vis has accepted the position and will be sworn in as Councillor at a Special Council Meeting, date to be confirmed.
Council will also consider the appointment of a new Shire President at this Special Council Meeting.
Shire of Gingin media contact:
Scott Wildgoose
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
T: (08) 9575 5100
E: ceo@gingin.wa.gov.au
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