Councillor Graeme Legge hands over the mayoral reins to George Blenkhorn.
By Jade Lawton and Casey Neill
CARDINIA Shire councillors have given George Blenkhorn a go at the council’s top job.
The man behind infamous campaign slogan ‘Give George a Go’ was elected mayor in a four to two vote at Monday 6 December’s statutory meeting.
Councillors Bill Pearson, Stuart Halligan and predecessor Graeme Legge voted for the Central Ward councillor.
Fellow Central Ward councillor Brett Owen was the only challenger for the role.
Cr Blenkhorn said he was grateful to the voters who elected him two years ago and was now prepared to take on the responsibility of mayor.
“The role of mayor is to be the spokesman for the shire council, work closely with our CEO, Mr Garry McQuillan, but much more importantly to be accessible to all residents of the shire and listen to their wishes and concerns,” he said.
Cr Blenkhorn has been an active member of the community since he, wife Sue and their three children emigrated from the UK in 1977.
The Nar Nar Goon North resident and retired veterinarian has been a long-term member of the Rotary Club of Pakenham and Pakenham Show Committee.
Emerald Community House co-ordinator Mary Farrow had voiced concerns the Cardinia Council was neglecting its hills region in favour of the growth corridor.
But she was not worried about Cr Legge, from Emerald, handing over the mayoral reins to a growth corridor local.
“I don’t think it’ll be worse,” she said.
“I saw no advantage in Cr Legge being the mayor.”
Mr Blenkhorn said he would try to keep the lines of communication open with hills residents and work with them to help them understand council decisions.
“It has been said to me in the past it is an obligation of a farmer to leave his farm to his son or daughter in a better state than when he took it over,” he said.
“I see the role of the council and shire staff as being like farmers, trying to improve our society for our residents and their children.”
Cr Owen, in his speech, said he was the longest-serving Central Ward councillor and felt ready to take on the role of mayor.
“I’ll give a youthful outlook to the position, and if I am successful I intend to take 12 months off my employment with Victoria Police,” he said.
But the two votes he received – from himself and Cr Ed Chatwin – were not enough to topple Cr Blenkhorn. Cr Collin Ross was absent from the meeting.
Cr Blenkhorn acknowledged Cr Owen’s unsuccessful bid for the role.
“To Brett, I’m sure your time will come,” he said.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Graeme and Bill, who have both been mayors on this council.
“Once again a big thankyou to my family and I look forward to the year ahead.”
