After an illustrious 25-year career at the Waratah-Wynyard Council, Mayor Robby Walsh has decided to retire at the end of his current term at Council.
Although the elections are not until October this year, Mayor Walsh chose to announce his intention not to recontest now, giving plenty of time for others to consider throwing their hats in the ring.
“I have greatly enjoyed my 12 years as Mayor, but I believe it’s the right time to indicate my intentions for retirement providing the community plenty of time to consider my replacement,” the Mayor said.
“Being a born and bred local of several generations, I have been very fortunate to occupy the position of Mayor of this beautiful area of Tasmania and to help make improvements in our thriving community.”
Cr Walsh was first elected to the Wynyard Council in 1986 and served as an elected member through the amalgamation process with Waratah Council.
In 1994 Cr Walsh chose not to contest the re-election, committing his time to his 24-year career with Forestry Tasmania.
Deciding to nominate for Council again in 2005, he was elected as a Councillor that year, then as Deputy Mayor in 2007.
In 2011 he was elected as Mayor, a position he has held continuously since that time, making him Waratah-Wynyard’s longest serving Mayor.
Well-known for his trademark Akubra hat, Mayor Walsh has enjoyed serving the community in which he was born and bred.
“A primary focus in my time at Council has been providing top class facilities for our community and visitors; especially toilets, playgrounds and parks and reserves,” Cr Walsh said.
Cr Walsh has been at the helm overseeing many major strategies and developments, including the Sustainable Murchison Community Plan; the Anzac Park all-abilities playground; Somerset CBD improvements; Wynyard’s Waterfront and Environs Masterplan; Open Space, Sport and Recreation Plan; and the growth of the Tulip Festival.
Mayor Walsh also currently serves as a member or ex-officio member of many community groups and external committees, including the Cradle Coast Authority, TasWater, Bush Watch Western District Committee, Audit Panel and Australia Day Committee.
He has played an active role in the resource sharing arrangement with Circular Head Council. Prospective nominees will have big shoes to fill, however Cr Walsh is keen to pass on his wealth of knowledge to Mayoral hopefuls.
“I hope that by announcing my intentions to retire early it will allow interested individuals the opportunity to talk to me about the position and consider if it is suitable for their situation.”
“The immense support I have received from the community throughout the years is greatly appreciated. I sincerely thank the Waratah-Wynyard community for their continuous support and look forward to passing the baton to a new Mayor who no doubt will continue the fantastic projects we already have planned and contribute some fresh new ideas for the future” Cr Walsh said.
Local elections in Tasmania will be held in October, with Mayor Walsh’s term expiring on 31 October.
