City of Greater Bendigo 2021-2024 councillors sworn in under coronavirus restrictions

The successful candidates were announced on Friday after two weeks of counting hampered by COVID-19 restrictions.

Voters elected Margaret O'Rourke, Gregory Penna, and Matthew Evans to represent the Eppalock Ward for the next four years.

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For the Lockwood Ward, Rod Fyffe, Jennifer Alden, and Vaughan Williams were elected, while Andrea Metcalf, David Fagg, and Julie Sloan were chosen to represent the Whipstick Ward.

Due to COVID-19 requirements, only the new councillors and City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Craig Niemann were at the installation ceremony on Tuesday night.

The event was livestreamed for the public. Each councillor was sworn in and spoke about their plans for their term in council.

New councillor Matthew Evans said he wanted to represent the voices of the region's young people.

"I'm led to believe that I am the second youngest person to sit on the council of the City of Greater Bendigo," he said.

"I will seek to be a direct voice for young people, but I will also seek to be a councillor for all.

"Wherever you are, wherever you're from, and whatever you do, I will always seek to listen to you and bring your ideas to the discussion and debate, and to take action to get things done."

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Returning councillor Jennifer Alden said she was excited to continue her work for the community.

"It gives me the opportunity to continue on so much important work, continuing the many great initiatives commenced during the previous term of council," she said.

"They are the basis for the next steps towards making Bendigo the most livable community."

New councillor David Fagg encouraged residents to engage with local government.

"I hope that the coming term of this council will be characterised by a healthy democratic spirit," he said. "I encourage all those in our wider community to get involved in our local democracy.

"It doesn't mean having to run for public office, but it does mean getting involved with others for the good of our city in small and large ways."

Mr Niemann said the councillors would choose a mayor and deputy mayor at a special meeting on Thursday, November 19.

Cr Fyffe, Cr Metcalf, and Cr Alden have all expressed interest in the mayor position.

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