ONE of the Wimmera’s youngest mayors has decided against running for re-election.
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Yarriambiack’s Ray Kingston will step down from his role as mayor and from council in October.
He said while his decision wasn’t straightforward, he had made up his mind about his future.
“It will be a reasonably big life change for me,” he said.
“I just don’t have room in my life for council anymore – it’s time for me to focus on the farm, which is challenging to do with the council commitment.
“I’m also looking forward to having more time for family.”
Cr Kingston was elected to Yarriambiack in 2009 and became mayor at the end of last year.
“It’s been a mixed experience,” he said.
“It’s a very valuable job and a job that’s worth doing well.
“I have enjoyed it, especially being mayor this past year, but there are difficult parts too.”
Cr Kingston said he encouraged more people to stand for council in the future.
“When people thought about councillors 10 years ago, there was a stereotype of older, retired gentlemen and we are now seeing more diversity in the Wimmera,” he said.
“I hope the penny will drop for people that anyone can run for council and it’s important there is a range of people and a range of views represented.”
Cr Kingston said he was proud of the work he achieved as a councillor.
“Most obviously was the Lighting the Regions project, which was a bigger project than just the shire, or the Wimmera,” he said.
“I’m also proud of how far we’ve come with the silo art trail.
“As with any achievement on council, they don’t happen alone and no councillor has ever done anything by themselves, it’s about working collaboratively.
“The best ideas will get you nowhere if you can’t work with others, who have a different point of view.”
Cr Lisa Woods has also decided not to stand for council again, choosing to spend more time with her family.
Councillors Helen Ballentine, Terry Grange, Graeme Massey, Andrew McLean and Kylie Zanker will all seek re-election.
Cr Zanker said she would definitely stand again because she loved being immersed in the community.
“Being a councillor is a such wonderful role to have,” she said.
