Cr Hearn returned as Mayor

Published on 18 November 2022

Benalla Rural City Councillor Bernie Hearn was returned as Mayor for a second 12-month term at the November Council meeting.

Upon being elected unopposed, Cr Hearn said: “I would like to personally thank my fellow Councillors for placing their trust in me again to represent them, the Council and importantly the Benalla community in this important role as Mayor of the Benalla Rural City.”

Cr Hearn spoke with optimism of the resilience shown by the Benalla and district community throughout the pandemic and now in recovery from the October flood event.

“Our communities are the key to our success and the future of the Benalla Rural City,” Cr Hearn said.

“Over the next 12 months I, with my fellow Councillors, will work tirelessly for the Benalla community, championing development and growth for our town as we plan forward to support local business and provide more opportunities for business development and entrepreneurship.

“I would like to thank my family Russell, Nick, Brad and Emma for their support, encouragement and love they give. And a very special thanks to Councillor Don Firth for his support, friendship, and the guidance he has given me over the last 12 months.

“I take this opportunity on with good faith, good will and a fierce determination to ensure that we work in the best interests of all residents,” Cr Hearn said.

Councillor Justin King, who was elected as Deputy Mayor, said it had been a privilege to work alongside Cr Hearn over the past 12 months as the Council navigated challenging times.

“I look forward to being your Deputy for the next 12 months,” Cr King said.

Benalla Rural City Council meetings are livestreamed at benalla.vic.gov.au/live and can be watched live or on demand.