WYNDHAM mayor Kim McAliney has been sensationally dumped from council in an election shock, despite receiving a strong primary vote.
The two-time mayor, along with Cynthia Manson and Marcel Mahfoud all failed in their bids for another term.
Ms McAliney, received the third highest primary vote after Shane Bourke and John Gibbons, but was defeated after the distribution of preferences.
Among the six new faces on council will be Gautam Gupta and John Gibbons in Chaffey ward, joining Shane Bourke and former councillor Marie Brittan.
Heather Marcus was returned in Iramoo ward, along with newcomers Peter Gibbons and Peter Maynard.
In Harrison, Bob Fairclough and Glenn Goodfellow are back, along with Adele Hegedich — who previously represented Chaffey ward — and businessman Intaj Khan.
The municipality will be represented by 11 councillors this year, following a boundary redistribution by the VEC.
Cr Bourke, who has been mayor five times, secured 23 per cent of the primary vote for Chaffey ward and said delighted to be re-elected for a sixth term.
‘‘I am really chuffed about it,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s probably one of the most special council election wins given the number of candidates.
‘‘I ran a low key campaign…word of mouth and the support of my family and friends helped me get elected.’’
The results will be declared during a meeting at the civic centre at 5.30pm tonight.
For the latest election results, visit vec.vic.gov.au.
AND THE WINNERS ARE …
Chaffey
ward
Shane
Bourke
Gautam
Gupta
John
Gibbons
Marie
Brittan
Harrison ward
Bob Fairclough
Glenn Goodfellow
Adele Hegedich
Intaj Khan
Iramoo ward
Heather Marcus
Peter Gibbons
Peter Maynard
