LONG-SERVING councillor Rob Gersch has been named Hindmarsh Shire Council mayor for the 2019-20 term.
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Cr Gersch was voted in Wednesday evening in a statutory meeting.
Cr Ron Ismay and Cr Debra Nelson also nominated, but Cr Gersch declined to comment on the distribution of votes.
He congratulated outgoing mayor Cr Ismay on his two consecutive terms, and said he will continue to build on the work that the council has been doing.
"We work very well together up here," he said. "I have a strong belief that Hindmarsh works very well and we had some good people put their hands up, but someone has to be elected and I was fortunate enough."
"Our priorities are continued communication with our community - that's imperative that our community works with us.
"Funding for local government is always a priority, and we have a problem with keeping youth here - though I'm sure that's Australia-wide, not just Hindmarsh-wide, and how we address that I'm not sure."
The council did take one step towards addressing that issue during the statutory meeting by having its youth council present for the first time.
"That was fantastic to have them here and have them be part of our statutory meeting," Cr Gersch said.
Cr Gersch is a life-long resident of Nhill and has been serving in the Hindmarsh Shire Council and former Shire of Lowan since 1983.
"I'm coming up for 35 years as a councillor. This is my sixth term as mayor and (I've completed) one as shire president," he said.
Cr Gersch and his family have been involved in various businesses in the region across a number of industries including retail and hospitality.
He is also the chair of Rural Councils Of Victoria, an organisation instigated by Hindmarsh Shire Council.
"That's held us in very high esteem in local councils," Cr Gersch said.
"Even though we're one of the smaller councils, we punch above our weight."
Cr Gersch thanked his family and the community for their support for his long political career.
"I emphasize the point that you just can't do it without the support of your family.
"In the early days there was no remuneration so it cost a lot to be a councillor. Today you get some assistance but there's still a cost. In those days it was very hard financially and time wise, but with the support of your family and community you get around it.
"That's what I've had, the support of my family and my community."
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