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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
John Dougall returns as Mayor North Ward Councillor will again lead Mitchell Shire PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE FRONT-PAGE FROM $39 PER FORTNIGHT
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■ Cr John Dougall waselected at the latest Council meeting to a second consecutive term as Mayor of Mitchell Shire. Cr Timothy Hanson was elected Deputy Mayor for 2025-26. The election took place at the Statutory Meeting of Council held at the Broadford chambers. “Mayor Dougall and Deputy Mayor Hanson will lead our councillor team as we work with the community to manage growth, strengthen core services and deliver on the Council priorities,” said a Council representative. “We thank Cr Bob Cornish for his contribution and service as Deputy Mayor over the past year and all Councillors for their ongoing commitment to our communities across Mitchell.” The role of the Mayor is to chair Council meetings; be the principal spokesperson; lead engagement with the municipal community on the development of the Council Plan; and report to the municipal community on the implementation of the Council Plan.
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● Cr John Dougall and Cr Timothy Hanson
‘PREPARE FOR BAD FIRE SEASON’
■ Yarra Ranges, Murrindindi, Maroondah and Nillumbik municipalities are amongst the high fire risk areas in the state, according to Yarra Valley Water. The utility is urging customers in grass fire and bushfire-prone areas to include a water supply in their emergency plan. The Country Fire Authority has stated this year’s fire season could be the most dangerous since the 2009 Black Saturday fires. This is part of a trend of fire seasons starting earlier and lasting longer due to changing weather patterns. The fire danger period czame into effect in some local government areas across the Yarra Valley Water service area from last week and could continue through to May 2026. High-risk fire areas in Yarra Valley Water’s service area include the shires of Yarra Ranges, Nillumbik, Cardinia, Mitchell, and Murrindindi, and the cities of Hume, Whittlesea, Banyule, Manningham and Maroondah. Bridie Fennessy, General Manager Asset Services, Yarra Valley Water, said a reliable water supply cannot be guaranteed during a fire and preparation is crucial. “We all know grass fires and bushfires can happen at any time, with the potential to devastate properties and damage water pipes and tanks,” Ms Fennessy said. “During a fire, our customers could experience low water pressure, loss of supply or reduced water quality.”
● Bridie Fennessy, Yarra Valley Water
“The