Council
17 September, 2024
Exclusive interview: former deputy mayor reflects on four years with HRCC
Former deputy mayor decides against nominating in 2024 election
Former deputy mayor Penny Flynn's journey into local government was unexpected.
With no initial intention of nominating, she became an active councillor for Horsham Rural City Council during the past four years.
"I had no intention of nominating four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.
"The world had changed, but due to the encouragement and support offered by friends and community members, suddenly I was a candidate and then an elected councillor."
Despite similar encouragement to re-nominate in the 2024 election, she told The Wimmera Mail-Times she would not be a candidate in the upcoming October 2024 Local Government elections.
Cr Flynn's decision to nominate in 2020 was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
Her qualifications in leadership, governance, and business, as well as her role as senior corporate resources officer and legal administrator for GWM Water over almost two decades, provided her with a sound background for her council role.
She had also been involved in many community groups including past president of the Rotary Club of Horsham East.
Reflecting on her four years in council, she can now see the positive impact the council has had on the community.
"Some of the projects council has achieved in the past four years that I am most proud of are the Hamilton Street Bridge, Daycare and Childcare and the Water Nature Play Park," she said.
"After its completion, I received an email from a mother who said she was pleased to see the Hamilton Street Bridge finished because her children would now be safer walking to school.
"She sent me a photo of herself and her children on the bridge.
"That meant a lot to me; it meant we had made the right decision to go ahead with the bridge and provide a safer alternative for people to connect to schools and businesses."
Cr Flynn said the lack of childcare has been a major frustration for many people in the community, and seeing more places open up at the Kalkee Road Centre was a positive step in supporting that service to families.
"The Water Nature Play Park is another project I am proud of," she said.
"The previous council had laid the foundations for the project, and we had the pleasure of completing it, so like many council projects, it flowed from one council to another.
"It is a favourite spot for children's birthday parties and family get-togethers, and that is a fantastic outcome.
"We have provided a lovely space for parents and children, with good disability access and it's free."
Cr Flynn said she didn't think it would be appropriate to ignore the public challenges of recent months that have taken their toll.
She knew being a councillor would have its challenges and disappointments because your decisions would not suit everyone, but she was unprepared for the level of backlash on social media and personally that this council received.
"Rates are always a topic of discussion in the community," Cr Flynn said.
"People can disagree and have an alternative opinion, but a member of the community abusing a councillor at their place of work, a social function, or in council chambers is not okay.
"I am sad for the community that this council term has ended this way.
"I feel it has tarnished our community, and I am concerned that it may affect future confidence in the council."
Cr Flynn said she believed the negativity directed towards the council came from a small section of the community, and she had found its effect on staff, not just elected members, had been disturbing.
Her decision not to re-nominate in the October election had not been an easy one, but it's one that she was comfortable with; she looks forward to seeing many of the projects and plans this council has begun come to fruition in the future.
Cr Flynn served as councillor for four years.
She was elected deputy in 2023 when HRCC appointed a deputy for the first time. Council moved a motion in 2023 not to elect a deputy mayor for the remainder of the council's term.