Tuesday, 12 November, 2024
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Giants on the show stage Will Lewin, from Yannathan, with his horse Willice Park Clifford were among the impressive pairings at a glorious Dandenong Show arena on 9-10 November. The duo went on to win the Best Presented Clydesdale award. For more Dandy Show pictures, turn to page 13. (Rob Carew: 441084)
Cr hiatus ends Two weeks after council election voting, Greater Dandenong and Casey’s new teams of councillors have started to take shape. Following a long hiatus without councillors, Casey voters faced a further wait for final election results which were expected last Friday 9 November. Results for Akoonah and River Gum wards were held up until 11 November for recounts. The other 10 wards were declared on time,
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revealing an ALP member Stefan Koomen, a past Liberal MP Gary Rowe and Greens councillor Dave Perry. Rowe and Lynette Pereira (ex-Greens, 2008-’12) were the only returned councillors. Former councillors Rex Flannery, Damien Rosario and Wayne Smith were rejected. In what looks like an exciting blank canvas, the rest are self-described independents with an array of agendas.
Some of their most common issues included integrity – unsurprising after councillors were sacked amid a corruption investigation in 2020. Community safety, low rates, council spending were other popular priorities. Greater Dandenong’s newly-elected councillor team has a familiar ring – a strong ALP majority of 8 (same as 2020), two Greens (up one from 2020) and an independent (down by one). In an upset, Cleeland Ward’s Angela Long – a
three-time mayor – was beaten by Greens councillor Rhonda Garad. Three new councillors were elected – Alice Phuong Le (Springvale Central), Isabella Do (Keysborough South) and Melinda Yim (Keysborough).
More on the elections on pages 2-5