When Wyndham councillor John Gibbons first became mayor (or shire president, as it was known then), Werribee’s population was about 45,000, it was still known as “the country suburb”, Point Cook had only a handful of residents, Werribee Plaza didn’t exist and Manor Lakes and Williams Landing were still more than 20 years in the future.
That was 1983, when Wyndham wasn’t even a city. It was still known as the Shire of Werribee.
Plenty has changed in the past 32 years, but Cr Gibbons and his dedication to serving the community have remained a constant.
At last Monday’s council meeting, the Chaffey ward councillor was recognised after recently being presented with the honorary title of Mayor Emeritus, which is awarded by the Municipal Association of Victoria and recognises councillors who have served three or more terms as mayor.
A Werribee resident for more than 40 years, Cr Gibbons was elected shire president in August, 1983.
He served two terms in the role until August, 1985, before returning as mayor of the City of Werribee between August, 1992, and August the following year.
He returned to the council in 2012.
Cr Gibbons is a foundation member of Victoria University and in 2004 he received an Order of Australia for services to education and the Wyndham community.
