General News
25 September, 2024
Long-serving councillor ready to sign off
Hindmarsh Shire's longest-serving councillor, Rob Gersch, will be farewelled into retirement as his final term draws to a close just a few weeks shy of 40 years
Born and raised in Nhill, Cr Gersch said becoming a councillor was not on his mind initially.
"I had three young kids at that stage and it wasn't on my mind at all," he said.
He had businesses in agricultural supplies and car sales and was also a volunteer cricket umpire for many years.
He is a life member of Nhill Sporting Club and Nhill Urban Fire Brigade and has held a place on many boards, including the Little Desert Lodge and Wimmera Development Association.
Cr Gersch said he was approached by a local one day who suggested he should run for council.
"I knew about running businesses and sport but not local government," he said.
He was elected for Lowan Shire in 1984 during a by-election and subsequently stayed for 12 years.
In the same year in which he became a councillor, he was made a Justice of the Peace.
After an amalgamation of municipalities, he stood for Hindmarsh Shire and had two years of government by commissioners.
Cr Gersch completed one term as shire president and six terms as mayor.
He was also chairman of Rural Councils Victoria for 10 years.
"Being a leader as mayor, a lot falls back on you, but I thoroughly enjoyed it," he said.
Cr Gersch has been involved in helping Karen community members who have moved to Nhill to settle in.
Looking at the many challenges he faced in council, the amalgamation of shires proved to be the biggest in Cr Gersch's opinion.
"We went from 26 councillors to six so the workload increased when it happened," he said.
Other challenges included navigating a lack of funding and securing grant money.
"You have to set priorities: small councils don't get a lot of money and you have to chase grants," he said.
During his time on council, he has taken many trips to Melbourne to represent his community.
"It's very demanding on family and business but it was my choice to put my hand up and represent the community," he said.
Cr Gersch was lucky enough to receive Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King's Birthday Honours in 2023 for services in local government and community.
"It was very nice to be acknowledged by my peers," he said.
Now, it's time for Cr Gersch to hang up his councillor hat and enjoy retirement.
"It certainly wasn't an easy decision to make," he said.
"I still enjoy it but I'm getting to the age and it's time for somebody else to have a go."
Looking ahead, Cr Gersch said he would be taking the future as it came.
"It's time to do something a little different – I can't be there forever," he said.
"We have grandchildren and great-grandchildren all over Victoria and Australia so we'll be doing some travelling and seeing family," he said.
Cr Gersch has four children, 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
"I'll continue to volunteer at the tourist information centre and may increase volunteering but we'll see."
He encourages anybody to put their hand up for the upcoming election.
"Just have a go," he said.
"If you don't have a go you will never know.
"Cr Gersch said he would be hapy provided the right people were "putting their hands up for the right reasons.
He will continue to serve as a JP.
"It was the best thing I did," he said.
"I have no regrets.
"It's a fantastic road to put back into the community."