Cr Firth recognised for 10 years service

Published on 10 November 2023

Benalla Rural City Councillor Don Firth has been presented with a Councillor Service Award, in recognition of his decade-long commitment to serving the community.

The Victorian Councillor Service Awards, presented by the Municipal Association of Victoria, acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contributions of long-serving councillors throughout the state.

Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn acknowledged Cr Firth’s dedication and commitment shown to the community.

“The fundamental role of a Councillor is to represent and serve their community, and Cr Firth's passion, knowledge, and dedication to his community are a testament to his commitment as a Councillor. I congratulate him on his outstanding contribution to the Benalla and district community," Cr Hearn said.

Cr Firth was first elected to Benalla Rural City Council from December 2008 to October 2012. He was then elected again in November 2016 and since then has remained an elected official for the Benalla community.

He was elected Mayor on 9 November 2016, where he served in the role for two years, and was elected Deputy Mayor on 10 November 2021, serving for 12 months.

Cr Firth said it had been an honour to serve his community as a Councillor for so many years.

“The positive changes I have seen over the years as a Councillor have been humbling to watch and I’m honoured to have been a driver in that change,” Cr Firth said.

“Being a Councillor is still a role I greatly enjoy, and I am continually proud of the way Council and the organisation work together to serve the community.”