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Wellington Shire marks 30 years of growth, resilience, and transformation in Regional Victoria since 1994 amalgamation

Wellington Shire celebrates 30 years of growth and transformation since its 1994 formation, driving regional development and community resilience across Gippsland and eastern Victoria.

By news@gippsland - 3rd December 2024 - Back to News

Marking a milestone with 30 years of Wellington Shire through growth and regional transformation. On 2 December 2024, Wellington Shire Council celebrated 30 years since its first meeting, a transformative moment in Victorian local government history. Formed in 1994 through the amalgamation of five former councils-Alberton, Avon, Maffra, Rosedale, and the City of Sale - Wellington Shire has become one of the most resilient and future focused municipalities in regional Victoria.

Image taken 25 March 1997 - Gippsland Times and the Maffra Spectacular 'Our New Council'

Expansive regional growth

The amalgamation made Wellington Shire the third-largest municipality in Victoria, covering an expansive area just shy of 11,000 square kilometres. Aptly known as The Middle of Everywhere, Wellington Shire's central location and large geographic footprint allow it to connect communities and industries right across eastern Victoria, making it a key player in regional growth and development.

The inaugural Wellington Shire Council meeting in 1994, chaired by Commissioner John Guy, set a collaborative tone, one that current councillors still showcase today. Commissioner Guy emphasised community inclusion, with meetings open to the public and timed to allow working residents to attend.

Modernising local governance

Wellington Shire's formation was part of a broader Victorian government initiative to modernise local governance. While the restructure was met with some debate, it also brought communities together under larger, more efficient councils. Key decisions included:

• Dargo township was included in Wellington Shire, fulfilling the wishes of Avon Shire residents who strongly opposed separating the town
• Yarram township was retained within Wellington Shire due to its importance as a service centre, with the board citing the "energies and commitment of the people of Yarram" as key to its prosperity
• Aligning Port Welshpool and Barry's Beach with South Gippsland due to their shared community interests and connections

Across the state, similar resistance was experienced, particularly during the mergers in the Geelong region and reviews of municipalities in Ballarat and Bendigo. The Victorian government continued with its support of the restructures, describing it as necessary for modern governance.

Vision for growth

At the time, Minister for Local Government Roger Hallam championed the changes, highlighting the benefits of a modernised local government system. "The restructure consolidates municipal resources and expertise, making councils more cost-effective and strategically aligned to address the economic and population challenges of the next century," Hallam stated at the time.

He emphasised the need for councils to take on larger roles in tourism, regional development, and economic investment. "Local government needs to play a greater role in securing investment and jobs dearly needed in country areas. There is no better way than the community acting as ambassadors," he said.

Hallam's vision emphasised the potential for larger municipalities, like Wellington Shire, to foster growth, improve accountability, and better support local businesses and farmers.

Wellington Shire's founders

Wellington Shire welcomed its first elected council in March 1997. The election brought together a diverse group of seven councillors representing a wide geographic spread. The successful candidates included:

• Peter Garlick (Stradbroke) - Grazier and former Rosey Shire President, Deputy Mayor
• Gordon Cameron (Maffra) - Former Maffra Shire Councillor, first Mayor of Wellington Shire
• Janet Stoddart (Heyfield) - Businesswoman with a strong local connection
• John Jago (Sale) - Retired businessman and former Deputy Mayor of Sale
• Jim Frith (Sale) - Business manager and former Sale City Mayor
• Ron Harvey (Carrajung) - Grazier with more than 20 years of council experience in Alberton Shire
• Linda Barraclough (Briagolong) - Businesswoman bringing a fresh perspective to council

The first elected councillors represented a mix of experience and fresh ideas. The first meeting of council was brief but was marked by optimism and collaboration, signalling a new chapter in Wellington Shire's history.

Foundations of leadership

Councillor Gordon Cameron, from Maffra, was elected as the first Mayor, with Peter Garlick serving as Deputy Mayor. Their leadership laid the foundation for a cooperative and community-focused approach.

Current Mayor of Wellington Shire Council, Scott Rossetti, reflected on council's achievements over the past three decades, saying, "This 30-year anniversary is a testament to our communities' strength, resilience, and vision. The challenges of amalgamation have given way to achievements we can all be proud of, and Wellington Shire's future is brighter than ever."

Councillor Garry Stephens also shared his memories of the amalgamation process and its impacts. "Many in the community would remember the anxiety at the time when amalgamation was taking place. For me, it was a period of transition - I actually lost my role as CEO of the Shire of Alberton! I remember the public's feedback and the rallying of people initially against the change," he said.

Legacy of amalgamation

Cr Stephens also recalled the symbolism of a time capsule buried in the Wellington Shire Civic Centre. "The time capsule contained various mementos from the final year of the Sale City council, including a copy of the annual report, photographs of the last council and council officers, and other items representing the municipality's history. It was sealed into a pillar in the Civic Centre, a lasting reminder of what came before."

One of the significant adjustments following amalgamation was the streamlining of council committees. The newly formed Wellington Shire inherited 177 committees from the five former councils. 81 of these committees were reviewed, with responsibilities taken on by shire-wide committees or assigned to council officers.

Unified governance progress

Councillor Stephens shared, "When these committees were reviewed, many shire-specific groups changed. While it was difficult for some at the time to let go of these smaller, localised committees, it allowed the new council to focus on the broader needs of the entire municipality." These changes marked a move toward unified governance, with an emphasis on efficient service delivery across the entire region.

Over the past 30 years, Wellington Shire has become a leader in Gippsland and regional Victoria, achieving many milestones for the local community. Council's nine-member council ensures fair and transparent governance, giving all communities a strong voice. Its advocacy has made Wellington a key regional leader, supporting local industries and residents.

Strategic initiatives have driven economic growth, strengthened local businesses, and positioned the Shire as a hub for development. Modernised facilities and programs now meet the needs of a growing and diverse population, delivering high-quality services across the region.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com