TWO former councillors have been returned to the fold, while another candidate was finally elected after 24 years of campaigning.
And in what is believed to be a first for Wyndham, two brothers were elected.
Former mayor and shire president John Gibbons was elected in Chaffey ward, while brother Peter will represent Iramoo.
Former councillor Marie Brittan was also elected after a three-year absence.
Joining them is Peter Maynard, who first stood for the council 24 years and three months ago in the same election that saw veteran councillor Shane Bourke elected for the first time.
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Mr Maynard said he was overwhelmed after finally been given the chance to represent his community. “I just hope I can do good things for the community because that is who we are serving. I am not here to push any political barrels.”
Mr Maynard said his priorities included lobbying for a full-diamond interchange at Duncans Road and the removal of level crossings from the municipality, as well as improving parking and public transport.
Ms Brittan said she was returning to council “to finish what [she] started]”.
“We need to look at how we are coping with growth and be prepared to look at the big picture. We can’t rely on Band-Aid solutions to problems.”
John Gibbons said he was back because he wanted to do what he could to help the community. Peter Gibbons said he would look to his brother and fellow Iramoo ward councillor Heather Marcus for advice and mentoring.
His priorities for the next four years include improving community engagement and inclusiveness.
“In my working life as a member of Victoria Police, I saw the importance of including the community and listening to people.
“I worked closely with Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay [councils] when I was at Footscray and Laverton stations so I have an understanding of how councils work.”
