By Bonny Burrows
On Monday night, Cardinia Shire councillor Brett Owen will officially hand over the mayoral gown to a yet-to-be-decided successor.
Before he officially farewelled the top job, Cr Owen reflected on the past 12 months with journalist BONNY BURROWS.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen wishes he had a little more time to do the things he set out to achieve.
Taking the reins as Cardinia Shire’s mayor for the second time in November 2016, the father-of-two will step down from the position when his term comes to end on Monday.
Looking back at the past 12 months, Cr Owen said he was humbled to have been elected to represent Cardinia Shire for the year.
“It’s gone really quick, but I’ve really enjoyed my role,” Cr Owen said.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting the fantastic residents and community groups, taking the time to speak to residents on whatever issues are concerning them.”
For his second term, councillor Owen said he had learnt from past challenges as 2013 mayor and taken an unpaid leave of absence from his career as a police officer.
It’s a decision he hasn’t regretted for a moment.
“I’ve really enjoyed taking leave from my job and having that time to commit to the mayoral role. It really allowed me to make the most of it,” Cr Owen said.
“Balancing my police work with that of mayor was a challenge, and I felt I hadn’t (previously) been able to devote as much commitment to both roles as I would have liked.”
However, this past year the outgoing mayor said he believed he had made the most of the opportunities.
He said he was most proud of the groundwork the council had made on a number of major projects including the Deep Creek Reserve and its work with homelessness and family violence.
Ideally, Cr Owen said he would have like to secure a permanent home for the shire’s local motorsports clubs “but, unfortunately, we haven’t been able to confirm that”.
He said the mayoral role had greater potential.
“My personal view is that a mayor should be in the role longer than 12 months,” he said.
“(This would provide) more of an opportunity to build stronger relationships with the community, business and other governments. (More) time to build connections.”
While keen to remain as mayor, Cr Owen said he knew this was highly unlikely.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my mayoral year and I would love to continue in the role, however traditionally Cardinia Shire Council changes its mayor every 12 months,” he said.
“I don’t see there is a will among councillors to change this at the current time.”
Instead, Cr Owen said he envisioned his role on the council would now be that of a support to the new mayor during what he described as a “very critical time” for the shire.
“We have a state election and a possible federal election ahead of us and we need to do our very best to advocate for much-needed other government funding to build much-needed infrastructure and provide the services we need,” Cr Owen said.
“There are also a number of key projects and initiatives that need to be completed and achieved.”
Humbled by the residents who have encouraged him to re-stand for mayor, Cr Owen said his plan was to return to full-time policing at Narre Warren and spend more time with his young family.
“Also, I look forward to continuing with my councillor role where I will do my very best to representing my community to the best of my ability,” Cr Own said.
He thanked his fellow councillors for their support over the past 12 months and the community for its ongoing support.
“It has been an honour to serve as mayor of the community that I have lived in all my life and chosen to raise my family in,” Cr Owen said.
