By XAVIER SMERDON
A CRIMINOLOGIST and social worker at the Werribee Mercy Hospital emergency department has become Wyndham’s newest councillor.
Just after 3.30pm last Thursday Michelle Wharrie was announced as the winner of a countback to fill former councillor Shane Bourke’s vacancy after he resigned earlier this month.
Ms Wharrie told Star she felt “very humbled” to be taking up a spot on the council.
“I was definitely surprised to win the countback and really glad to be able to take the opportunity to represent Wyndham,” Ms Wharrie said.
“I’m very excited about it.”
Ms Wharrie, whose birthday fell on the election countback, said the news was a fitting present.
She said she hoped to be an inclusive councillor who would be a voice for the residents.
“I plan on doing my best and I will always treat the community with respect,” she said.
“I’m ready to listen to the residents.
“The current council has only been going for 12 months so I am expecting by the end of the first term that we will see some positive changes in the community.”
Ms Wharrie said she had previously lived in Tarneit for 12 years but was currently living in Werribee.
“That’s why I was interested in representing the Chaffey Ward, because I’ve seen the area grow so much in recent years,” she said.
Ms Wharrie listed infrastructure and social issues such as family violence, mental health and drug and alcohol abuse as some of the biggest hurdles facing Wyndham.
A Wyndham Council spokesperson said Ms Wharrie could technically begin her duties as a councillor as soon as she had taken the Oath of Office at a council meeting in front of the CEO.
The next council meeting will be held on Monday 28 October.
