Gippsland › Latest news › Baw Baw Local News
Farhat Firdous elected to fill vacancy from Councillor Joe Gauci in Baw Baw Shire Council Central Ward
Farhat Firdous has been elected to Baw Baw Shire Council's Central Ward, bringing expertise in media, stakeholder engagement, regional planning, and community-building through her leadership in Intercultural Exchange Inc.
Following a countback process undertaken by the Victorian Electoral Commission, respected community leader Farhat Firdous has been elected to Baw Baw Shire Council's Central Ward, filling the extraordinary vacancy created by former Councillor Joe Gauci's recent resignation. Ms Firdous brings a wealth of relevant expertise to her new role, informed by professional experience in media and communications, stakeholder engagement, regional planning, tertiary education, public service governance, and in the not-for-profit sector.
Newly elected Farhat Firdous will serve for the duration of the current council term, which runs until November 2024
Welcoming new councillor
As the co-founder and chair of Intercultural Exchange Inc., Ms Firdous has spearheaded a community-minded organisation aimed at fostering safe spaces and strengthening a sense of belonging by reducing potential miscommunications, assumptions, and discrimination.
"On behalf of Baw Baw Shire Council, I'd like to congratulate Ms Firdous on her election. With her demonstrable experience and dedication to community engagement, I've no doubt she will bring an invaluable perspective to council's decision making processes. My fellow councillors and I look forward to working collaboratively with her to serve and represent the interests of Central Ward constituents, and the entire Baw Baw Shire community," says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe.
Grateful for community
On being elected to council, Ms Firdous says, "I would like to thank the community members, especially those who have supported and mentored me over the years, for enabling me to take up this amazing opportunity to serve my beloved community."
"I welcome opportunities to engage in conversations with local residents and represent diverse perspectives at the council with an aim to create an inclusive and welcoming community," she said. Ms Firdous will serve for the duration of the current council term, which runs until November 2024.
Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Baw Baw Shire residents urged to participate in 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey phone interviews
Community feedback strengthens Wellington's Road Management Plan, highlighting priorities for road upgrades

East Gippsland kids invited to join and send entries for National Water Week poster competition by 12 September 2025

Future Wellington Community feedback shapes draft plans, final input invited before 16 July 2025

Gippsland Water commits to keeping customer bills affordable despite cost of living pressures

Have your say on Latrobe's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 - 2029 until 29 July 2025

Latrobe City Council endorses new Council Plan and Community Vision 2025-2029 to guide Latrobe's future growth

Wellington Shire Councillors advocate for region's needs at National Local Government Assembly in Canberra on 24 - 27 June 2025

East Gippsland tourism and hospitality masterclass to build sustainable, resilient businesses and grow positive

Southern Rural Water celebrates 30 years of service with modernisation, partnerships and sustainable water
