Shire of Denmark elects Aaron Wiggins and Nathan Devenport into leading council roles in changing of the guard

There will be a changing of the guard at the Shire of Denmark with Aaron Wiggins named the new president, taking over from Kingsley Gibson after a secret ballot on Tuesday. At the shire’s October ordinary meeting on Tuesday, councillors voted for both a new president and deputy president, with both roles contested by multiple councillors. New and returning councillors after the recent local government elections were also sworn in. Cr Jan Lewis nominated Cr Gibson, and new councillor Jay Hockey nominated Cr Wiggins for shire president. Both councillors accepted the nominations, turning the council to a secret ballot, and both spoke to the group as a whole before ballots were collected by council staff for counting. Cr Gibson, who has served as president for the last two years, spoke about the experience he had gained during his tenure in the president’s role, saying he could continue to create connections and trust between the council and community. He made it clear that he wanted to return to his post as president, however would not accept the position of deputy should Cr Wiggins prevail in the vote. Cr Wiggins also spoke, saying it was time for new blood in the council’s top spot. Soon after, he was elected as the new shire president for a two-year term. “Thank you for putting your faith in me, it’s honestly quite humbling, and I do feel the burden,” he said once he had taken his seat at the head of the council table. He thanked Cr Gibson for his service, saying he would still be hoping to receive plenty of advice from the veteran as he takes his first steps as president. Cr Lewis also nominated Cr Clare Campbell, and Cr Dominic Youel nominated Cr Nathan Devenport, for the role of deputy president and both accepted the nominations before making speeches outlining their experience as councillors and commitment to new roles within the shire. Cr Devenport emerged victorious after the secret ballot votes had been counted, and was sworn in for the same two-year term. Four newly elected councillors were also sworn into their new roles at the meeting. Incumbents Crs Lewis and Campbell, along with newcomers Alex Sleeman and Cr Hockey each signed a pledge to faithfully serve the Denmark community during their term on the council.