Former police officer Michele Wharrie has been selected to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of five-time Wyndham mayor Shane Bourke.
Mr Bourke resigned as a councillor on October 1, saying recent council decisions had left him questioning his ability to make a difference in the community.
A countback to fill the Chaffey ward vacancy was held last Thursday, with
Mr Bourke’s 6101 votes distributed among the remaining 15 candidates in order of preferences.
Ms Wharrie won the countback with 3409 votes.
The Werribee resident contested last year’s council election on the same ticket as Mr Bourke, deputy mayor Marie Brittan and former mayor Kim McAliney.
She was sworn in at Monday’s council meeting.
Ms Wharrie, who celebrated her birthday last Thursday, said she was surprised by the result but was looking forward to being a councillor.
“It will be a big challenge,” she said. “There are a lot of issues in Wyndham.
“Obviously, infrastructure is a main issue but there are also a lot of social issues such as drugs and alcohol and family violence.
“I am really looking forward to working with the community, not for the community.”
Ms Wharrie said she had big shoes to fill, adding that Mr Bourke was well liked by the community.
“Shane was a very good councillor. He has many years experience and played a very mature role.”
