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Brendan Kingwill elected as Baw Baw Mayor, with Kate Wilson appointed as Deputy Mayor for new 12-month council term

Baw Baw Shire Councillors have elected Brendan Kingwill as Mayor and Kate Wilson as Deputy Mayor for 12 months, with both pledging collaboration, community engagement and continued advocacy for regional investment.

By news@gippsland - 11th November 2026 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Councillors have elected East Ward Councillor Brendan Kingwill as Mayor and East Ward Councillor Kate Wilson as Deputy Mayor for the 12-month Council term. In taking on the role of Mayor, Cr Kingwill is keen to see collaboration lead the way forward. "What an honour to have been elected as Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council this term, alongside Cr Wilson as Deputy Mayor," he said.

Left to Right: Cr Tricia Jones, Cr Suzanne Allen, Cr Adam Sheehan, Cr Brendan Kingwill (Mayor), Cr Kate Wilson (Deputy Mayor), Cr Paul Pratt, Cr Jess Hamilton, Cr Ben Lucas, Cr Danny Goss (absent)

Kingwill pledges collaboration

Cr Kingwill said, "I am grateful for the confidence and support of my fellow Councillors as I take on this new role. We all bring different skills to the table, different perspectives, and all want the best for Baw Baw Shire. We are unified in our shared commitment to listen to our community, represent their interests and create opportunities that benefit people across the Shire."

"I look forward to working collaboratively with Council and our community to build on the work already underway and finding new ways to ensure that Baw Baw Shire thrives into the future. Collaboration is our biggest strength and I implore community members to keep working with us to get the region what it needs. We've built strong momentum in attracting investment in the Shire and we promise to keep that going," he said.

Celebrating community spirit

Cr Wilson echoed the sentiment, highlighting Council's advocacy efforts. "We've done some great work in the advocacy space over the past 12 months and will continue calling for our fair share of funding for the Shire. Cr Wilson also reflected on the community spirit she’d observed in her time as Mayor over the past 12 months.

"So many in our community volunteer their time and make a point of connecting with each other and making this place better for all of us. That is what makes Baw Baw a beautiful place to live," said Cr Wilson.

During the meeting, several Councillor committee appointments were made, and the schedule for the 2027 Council Meetings was adopted. Council meetings will continue to be held on the fourth Wednesdays of the month and alternately commence at 1pm and 5.30pm. The first Council Meeting of the term will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 24 November 2026. More information on the Councillors is available at Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Council endorses public toilet review to improve cleanliness, safety and maintenance across 88 facilities
  East Gippsland Council has endorsed a strategy to improve management of 88 public toilets, prioritising cleanliness, safety and maintenance through community feedback, targeted cleaning and better monitoring, with no facility closures proposed.
• Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
  Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025.
• Nationals and Liberals pledge 10 new technical colleges, delivering hands-on training for 5,000 Victorian students
  The Nationals and Liberals plan 10 new Technical Colleges across Victoria, providing 5,000 secondary students with hands-on vocational training and pathways into in-demand careers, including a new college in Gippsland.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• Gippsland Water invests $3.4M renewing ageing water and sewer infrastructure across regional communities
  Gippsland Water invested $3.4 million renewing ageing water and sewer assets, replacing 3.9 kilometres of water mains and relining 6.2 kilometres of sewer mains across Gippsland.
• Hazelwood North CFA to receive long-awaited new station under Nationals and Liberals' Latrobe Valley infrastructure commitment
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged a new three-bay Hazelwood North CFA station, replacing inadequate facilities and supporting volunteers through increased regional infrastructure funding.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Wellington and South Gippsland Councils seek community feedback to shape regional energy readiness plan and prepare for future growth until 30 November 2026
  Help shape the future of Wellington and South Gippsland. Share your thoughts in a quick three-question survey and help inform the development of the Energy Readiness Plan for the region.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• The Nationals promise apprenticeship training cost cuts, new technical colleges and toll relief to support Gippsland tradies and businesses
  The Nationals propose a $115 million apprenticeship fund, 10 new technical colleges for 5,000 students, and a $50 weekly toll cap to reduce costs, support Gippsland tradies and strengthen regional businesses
• Traralgon Netball Association scores $220,000 boost for new court lighting, creating more opportunities for players and night games
  Traralgon’s Agnes Brereton Reserve has received $220,000 for new LED lighting across 10 netball courts, helping more than 60 teams train, compete at night, expand development programs and create greater opportunities for players of all ages.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• Bairnsdale Library unveils upgraded outdoor spaces with new shade structures, refreshed courtyard and improved facilities for community activities
  Bairnsdale Library has unveiled upgraded outdoor spaces featuring two louvred shade structures, refreshed courtyard landscaping and vegetable beds, supported by $79,104 in Living Libraries Infrastructure Program funding.
• Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
  The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.
• Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
  Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
  Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation.
• Put your phone down and connect through art at Cowes’ new Analog Art Club starting 1st of December 2026
  Analog Art Club launches at Berninneit Art Gallery, Cowes, on 1 December, offering free monthly phone-free mornings with art, creative workshops and conversations led by artists and curators. Registration is essential.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• Construction begins on Warragul’s $30M Library and Learning Centre, delivering new community, cultural and co-working spaces by 2028
  Construction has begun on Warragul’s $30 million Library and Learning Centre, featuring library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, with opening planned for early 2028.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents