Nillumbik Shire Mayor Peter Clarke has been recognised for his contribution to local government at the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) annual conference last Thursday.
Clarke received the Councillor Service Award on Thursday, October 18 for 15 years’ service and the Mayor Emeritus Award for serving as three years as a Mayor.
He is the longest serving local government councillor in Nillumbik’s history and its only Mayor to have served three terms as Mayor within local government.
MAV President Mary Lalios said standing for council is a significant commitment in itself, but to have dedicated so much of one’s life to public service signifies a remarkable contribution worthy of celebration.
“Congratulations to Mayor Cr Peter Clarke on achieving 15 years of councillor service and receiving a Mayor Emeritus award from the MAV,” Lalios said.
Clarke was first elected to local government in the City of Heidelberg from 1981 to 1988, where he served a year as Mayor from 1985 to 1986.
He was then elected to the City of Melbourne from 2004 to 2011.
He was elected to Nillumbik Shire Council in November 2016 where he has served as Mayor for two consecutive years.
Clarke said it has been a privilege to serve the community for so long.
“A central theme throughout my 15 years in local government has been planning and adapting for change. I’ve often dealt with difficult and complex planning and road congestion issues, from my early days dealing with the Bell-Banksia Link in Heidelberg to the advocacy of the North East Link in Nillumbik,” Clarke said.
“Local government is not about making short-term decisions; it’s about the long-term future of our Shire and improving our liveability and employment opportunities.
“The only downside of these roles is the amount of time it takes you away from your family and I pay tribute to my wife and two daughters for their understanding as for most of their lives I have been a local councillor.”
