Tyrrell Gardiner and Ellen Lilly lead new Shire of Dardanup council

A familiar face has taken the reins as the Dardanup Shire president in the first change at the top in a decade. Cr Tyrrell Gardiner will lead the council for the next two years after being elected unopposed at last week’s meeting. He replaces the long-serving Mick Bennett, who retired in October following nearly three decades of community service. Having served in the deputy president position for the past two years, Cr Gardiner said it was a huge honour to be asked to step into the main role. “I’m looking forward to working with the team — we have a good mix of councillors,” he said. “I will do the job with the same humility as our former president Mick (Bennett), and will do it to the best of my ability.” Cr Gardiner is the fourth generation of his family to serve on the council, with his father John serving as president between 2011 and 2013. There was a contest for the deputy president position, with Crs Ellen Lilly and Stacey Gillespie both putting their hands up. Cr Lilly told fellow councillors she had the knowledge and skills to support Cr Gardiner in his position. “I will also continue to be committed to the youth of our Shire and making sure that we develop them in enterprise and in their life experiences so that they can develop to be the best version of themselves,” she said. “I’m very interested in continuing to support (younger councillors) so that they can also develop as they go through their roles in council.” Cr Gillespie spoke of her experience the first time she was elected to the council, also offering to mentor new members. “I was nervous, excited, and I’ve had a lot to learn — and believe me, four years does go very quickly,” she said. “I feel part of the role of being deputy president would be being available not only to help support the president, but also councillors if need be.” Cr Lilly was the successful candidate with six votes to Cr Gillespie’s three.