Council
17 September, 2024
Exclusive interview: mayor reflects on the past four years, new beginnings
Cr Robyn Gulline served four years as mayor of HRCC 2020- 2024
On the eve of the 2024 Local Government Elections and the end of the current four-year term for Victorian councils, Horsham Rural City Council mayor Robyn Gulline spoke with The Wimmera Mail-Times about her four years in the role, the council's achievements, and her decision not to nominate in the upcoming October election.
"It has been my absolute honour and privilege to serve as councillor and your mayor for the last four years," she said.
"Supporting our community, in any way possible, has been my priority every day."
After being urged by members of the community to nominate for HRCC in 2012 and 2016 and again in 2020, she decided 2020 was the right time and was successful in her bid to enter the world of local government.
She was elected mayor by the elected councillors for a 12-month term and subsequently by the current council for the following three years.
"In 2020, I promised good governance and strong financial management and that I would deliver on the priorities identified by our community," she said.
"I believe I have achieved my commitment."
Cr Gulline's four-year term and that of the current council entered the world of local government at an uncertain time globally.
Australia was in a pandemic, and as a state, Victoria was one of the hardest states hit with multiple lockdowns and significant loss of life.
However, Mayor Gulline described the council she led as extremely active and decisive, leaving a long list of significant achievements.
"We have delivered so many legacy projects and strategies that will positively shape our community and help us take advantage of the amazing opportunities on our doorstep," she said.
"I am immensely proud of the riverfront works, Nature Water Play Park, Hamilton St Pedestrian Bridge, successful relocation of the bands, City Oval netball courts and pavilion, decisions on indoor- outdoor multi-sport precincts, urban renewal, rail corridor activation, industrial land subdivisions, planning strategies and planning scheme amendments, to name a few."
As mayor, she served on Regional Cities Victoria, the Wimmera Southern Mallee development board, the 2022 Local Government Ministerial Mayor's Advisory panel, and chaired the Aboriginal Community Roundtable and the Wimmera Southern Mallee chief executive and Mayors Group.
Historically, governments on every level have received criticism, but the mayor described the democratic process Australians enjoy as a great thing because "everyone has and is entitled to an opinion, even me!"
"Hand on heart, I can honestly say that every decision that I made in the Chamber was in what I believed to be the best interest of the entire community, now and into the future," she said.
Cr Gulline was often called upon to calm a rowdy gallery during her term and came under criticism for her methods.
But said, "to every person who has taken the time to offer words of support and encouragement during my time on council, thank you".
"Your kindness will be forever remembered," she said.
"Thank you to my fellow councillors, former CEO Sunil Bhalla and council staff who work tirelessly for the benefit and betterment of our municipality.
"Our community is a better place because of your contributions."
However, "Years of personal vilification of councillors and divisive tactics undermining council's standing in the community continues to deter prospective candidates from nominating and in turn, harming our local democracy," she said.
On a personal level, "The campaign of relentless attacks on me, which began when I announced my intention to nominate four years ago, has taken its toll so it is with sadness and regret that I advise that my name will not appear on a ballot this election."
"Instead, I will find other ways to serve and support our community."
Cr Gulline served for four terms as mayor, and on Thursday, September 12, she was presented with the Mayor Emeritus Award in Melbourne for her service as mayor of HRCC.
The award of Mayor Emeritus recognises councillors who have served three or more full terms as mayor.
"While I will miss council, I still intend to be involved in the community," she said.
"Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of our wonderful community's history."
Cr Gulline has three adult children.
Her late husband, Don, died eleven years ago after a long illness.
She is the managing director of her family's farming business in Longerenong and will continue in that role after council.