Council & Politics
8 November, 2024
Veteran councillor encourages newcomers to be themselves, work as one
Karen Hyslop offers advice to new Northern Grampians councillors.
As Karen Hyslop enters her fourth term as a Northern Grampians Shire Council representative, she encourages the four fresh faces to stay true to themselves.
"Be yourself, and be there to support each other," she said.
"I think for a team to work effectively, everyone has to contribute. I think to achieve what we want to do, we've got to work as a team,"
Cr Hyslop was joined by councillors-elect Jenny Greenberger, Jack Blake and Justine Hide at the official announcement of the 2024 local government elections.
They will be joined by five-time mayor Murray Emerson and newcomer Karen Probst.
Cr Hyslop said being a councillor is rewarding, however, it can easily become a burden if the six representatives cannot work harmoniously.
"There's a lot to gain out of being on the council," she said.
"It's so rewarding, but if you don't work as a team, you can get bogged down... by the policies and the politics.
"I think being open, honest and transparent, people will understand you a lot better."
Mr Blake, a truck driver and disability care worker, said he was excited to start after receiving the provisional results on Thursday, November 7.
"I was out working, and I was receiving messages all day [after] the news come across, " he said.
"This has been in the making for about eight or nine years. When I first set my sights on on coming back to my hometown and working with the youth... I never really had an idea that I could get in the council,
"Thanks to Karen, [I realise] I'll be able to help more people than just the youth working with the community.
"It actually excites me a lot."
Four councillors retired after redistribution
Former mayors Kevin Erwin and Rob Haswell and first-term councillors Lauren Dempsey and Trevor Gready were voted out after the redistribution of votes on November 7.
Cr Hyslop earned 596 and Ms Greenbeger won 539 first preference votes, respectively; however, it was not enough to get them across the line.
With the fewest votes, Mr Haswell was first eliminated, followed by challenger Lachlan Eckert and Ms Dempsey.
In the Grampians Ward, Mrs Hide (662 first preference votes) and Mr Blake (659) grabbed the much-needed preferences, pushing out Mr Gready (640) and Lisa Whyte (486).
With the fewest votes, Ms Whyte was first to be eliminated; after redistribution, Mrs Hide was elected.
The redistribution of Mrs Hide's surplus brought Mr Blake's vote total to 837 votes, defeating Mr Gready on 793.
In the Kara Kara Ward, local Karen Probst (1432 votes) has amassed more than half of the first preference votes.
Cr Emerson (378) defeated challengers Terrence Robertson (205), Ross Hudson (202) and John Farrell (182) following the redistribution of votes.
After Ms Probst's surplus redistribution, Mr Farrell was eliminated, followed by Mr Hudson.
After redistribution, Cr Emerson defeated Mr Robertson 872 votes to 723.
Candidates then have until November 12 to request a recount. The VEC will assess whether one is needed.
The new cohort of councillors will be sworn in, and a new mayor will be elected at the Pleasant Creek Historic Precinct on Wednesday, November 13, at 6pm.