General News
23 September, 2024
Hindmarsh mayor ready to start next chapter
Hindmarsh Shire Council will say goodbye to current mayor Brett Ireland who has announced he will not be standing in the upcoming local government elections.
Cr Ireland and his partner Leslie lived in Melbourne and owned a takeaway shop in Frankston before making the move to Jeparit in 2013.
The couple took ownership of the Jeparit Newsagency and Takeaway at the former site of the town's post office, on Broadway, from previous owners Daryl and Rhonda Holden.
In 2015 they merged the business with Jeparit Supermarket owner Damien Mowland, and opened Cafe 52 on Roy Street, which housed the supermarket, newsagency and a 20-seat cafe.
In 2020, Cr Ireland ran for council, standing in the north ward, and was successful.
He said he has loved his time being a councillor and mayor.
"I do love it, but I'm due to retire early next year," he said.
"I wish I'd started 20 years earlier."
Cr Ireland has been on council for the past four years, working his way up the food chain as a councillor and as deputy mayor, before becoming mayor.
"I had one year as a councillor, then was deputy mayor for one, and then became mayor," he said.
He described himself as "very lucky" to have made his way up through multiple roles in a short amount of time.
Cr Ireland said that funding was currently the top challenge faced by council.
"We're in tough economic times at the moment," he said.
"We need more untied funding to run services for the community."
Looking back on his time on council, Cr Ireland said being mayor was definitely a highlight.
"It's a very busy role," he said.
"But just meeting people outside of the town has also been a highlight, and appreciating volunteer work and how many hours are put into the town."
With many trips to Melbourne and Canberra for meetings and conferences, he said he has tried to never lose sight of getting things for the community.
"Delivering to the community is a core part of the job," he said.
"I do my best for what will help the community survive.
"I'm passionate about issues that people will face in the future."
While being on council seems like a busy job on its own, Cr Ireland also works in farming, grain storage and transport.
He has also been involved in sporting clubs and other community groups such as Jeparit Town Committee.
"My employer has been very flexible with my duties and hours," he said.
"You can certainly mix the two: work and council."
Looking ahead, Cr Ireland said his plan was to retire in the middle of next year, travel and eat.
"Ice-creams and vanilla slices are the go," he said.
"Our hobby is antiques and collectables, so travelling and thrifting would be nice."
Cr Ireland said he and Leslie were long-time collectors, and he already had an antique shop on eBay.
With his final words, Cr Ireland said he encouraged anyone to stand in the upcoming election.
"It's a great way to serve the community and shape what's going on in the shire," he said.