Vol. No. Vol. 2818No. 1327
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Wednesday, January 24, 13, 2025 2016 Wednesday, September
Wimmera Football Netball League Premiers’ Posters! INSIDE TODAY
Rallying for mayor H
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
orsham Rural City Council officials and members of the public rallied around mayor Ian Ross at an emotionally-charged meeting on Monday night as he publicly disclosed a cancer battle, requiring him to take a leave of absence.
Cr Ross earlier this month announced he would step down as mayor, with Cr Brian Klowss appointed as acting mayor at a special meeting on September 4. On Monday, Cr Ross said he was set to commence treatment for an adenoid cystic carcinoma – a rare cancer that spreads along nerves. “Extensive medical testing has revealed that I have a tumour in my palate, which extends to just beneath my brain,” he said. “The nature of my illness means that I will need to take a leave of absence, the precise duration of which is currently unknown. “As reluctant as I am to step away from the team, I couldn’t be more confident about the direction HRCC is heading in. “The councillor group, supported by the CEO and staff at the council, will continue to build on the great things we have already achieved during a relatively short time together. “I cannot adequately express just how much your support, love and prayers have meant to me during the past few weeks.” Cr Ross became visibly emotional as he read the statement, asking Cr Klowss to finish the address on his behalf.
After finishing Cr Ross’ statement, Cr Klowss paid tribute to the mayor for ‘putting the community first’ during a tumultuous period following the resignation of former chief executive Sunil Bhalla and the subsequent election of six new councillors. “I want to talk about Ian Ross, not just as our mayor, but as someone I’ve come to know as both a friend and a colleague,” Cr Klowss said. “You came into this role as mayor less than a year ago after being the only incumbent councillor who got re-elected; that says something about you – about how people see you and your work. “What I’ve watched you do over these months is what you said you’d do – you’ve listened. “You’ve made sure our outer communities feel connected to council again. You’re out there at the sporting clubs, with the farmers, at community events. That’s not because it’s your job as mayor, that’s because that’s who you are.” Cr Dean O’Loughlin hailed Cr Ross as ‘a mentor’. “As I’ve said to you personally, now it’s time to put yourself first,” he said. “We’ll steer the boat for you for a little while and you’ll be sorely missed, as you know. We wish you a speedy recovery and hope you’re back with us soon.” Cr Angela Munn had prepared a statement to read at the meeting but was overcome by emotion and simply said: “I’m looking forward to you coming back.” Continued page 3
FLYING: Dannika Lincoln from St Leonards leaps in the air during her winning 14 years and older own-choreography dance at the 2025 Ararat Eisteddfod. Dancers from across Victoria converge on Ararat each year for the nine-day eisteddfod, which finishes on Saturday. More pictures, page 23. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
IN THIS ISSUE • Nhill aerodrome reopens • Monthly AgLife • Volleyball country championships Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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