Today we celebrate a very special event in the life of our Council and community as the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has officially recognised Cr Geoff Lovett's completion of 20 years of service as a Councillor and his eligibility for the MAV 20 years service award.
Cr Lovett was elected to the newly amalgamated Central Goldfields Shire Council in 1997. Even then, he was a well known in community and business life.
From the beginning of his period as a Councillor for the new Central Goldfields Shire Cr Lovett demonstrated an unswerving and clear vision for a great future for the Shire and it's residents and a willingness to tackle the real issues and opportunities to generate success.
Recognising the importance of education, Cr Lovett could see that the formation of a new P-12 Maryborough Education Centre offered a splendid opportunity and he remains a consistent champion of the MEC.
Cr Lovett argued passionately for important developments in Maryborough including the redevelopment of High Street and the return of passenger rail.
A special legacy which resulted in a national local government award was the vision and realisation of ensuring the sustainable reuse of the former heritage schools to serve contemporary needs resulting in massive community benefits.
Job creation was a key priority for him and wining new business, retail and industry for the Shire a critical goal, witnessing considerable success with True Foods, Edlyn Foods and the MKM redevelopment some of the many successes.
A keen local historian, Cr Lovett led key heritage initiatives and is an active advocate for World Heritage Listing of the central Victorian Goldfields.
Cr Lovett was an exemplary Mayor and is a highly polished and skilled chairman. He led the Shire most ably in exciting and difficult times. He holds an MAV Mayor Emeritus award.
A passionate advocate for what he considers important and right, Cr Lovett also models important values and never retains a grudge or ill-will. A good dash of dry humour can easily bring the house down.
Cr Lovett has been tirelessly supported throughout this period by Margaret who is herself an active community leader and has been a dedicated and stylish Mayoress.
Quite simply Cr Lovett has achieved a wonderful legacy which he continues to actively develop. That legacy will serve our Shire and community well for generations to come. He deserves our deep appreciation, acknowledgment and thanks.
