New councillors for South Gippsland

Newly elected South Gippsland councillors. Photo: South Gippsland Shire Council

The results of the South Gippsland council election were announced in early November.

South Gippsland council went to the polls with a by-election in October - more than two years after the council was dismissed. South Gippsland Shire Council was dismissed by an Act of Parliament in June 2019 after the resignation of six councillors between September 2018 and the dismissal.

The election results were released on Tuesday 9 November and three candidates were elected in each of the three wards. None of the successful candidates had stood for election in 2016 and only one had previous experience as a councillor. However, two councillors who were elected in 2016 recontested their seats but were not successful in the 2021 poll.

In Coastal-Promontory Ward, the successful candidates were Sara Gilligan, Scott Rae and Mohya Davies. Mohya Davies has previously served as a councillor when she was elected to represent the ward in 2008 and 2012.

In Strzelecki Ward, the successful candidates were Jenni Keerie, Michael Patrick Felton and Nathan Hersey. Andrew McEwen, who was elected in the ward in 2016 and recontested the seat, was not successful in the October postal poll.

In Tarwin Valley Ward, the successful candidates were John Schelling, Clare Williams and Adrian Darakai. Don Hill, who was elected in the ward in 2016 and recontested the seat, was not successful in the latest election.

Meanwhile, David Andrews has been elected as a councillor for Lake Nagambie Ward in Strathbogie Shire Council following a countback of votes on 15 September. The Victorian Electoral Commission conducted the countback following the resignation of Councillor Meanie Likos.

Updated