Term ends on a happy note

By Alison Noonan
COUNCILLORS reflected on a year filled with friendship, laughs and “good times” at the last Casey council meeting before elections last week.
Casey’s two longest-serving councillors, Myuna Ward Cr Brian Oates and Springfield Ward Cr Ben Clissold were farewelled with mayor Neil Lucas, who is standing down after 40 years in local government.
Cr Oates said he had enjoyed an interesting year under a mayor who came to council with the potential to do “great things for the community”.
“I have learnt a lot from being on council with you and I wish you all the best for your chosen career,” he said.
Cr Clissold thanked councillors for their friendship, despite media reports to the contrary.
“We all had pretty good times,” he said.
“I know we don’t hate each other and are at one another’s throats as reported in the press.
“We all tried our best and I wish everyone well.”
Cr Wilson said it was a privilege to work with Cr Oates, one of the original nine elected to council in 1997.
“We had some very good friendships. There was no in-fighting,” he said.
Cr Butler said he looked forward to the future with a new council.
“There might be a few (councillors) with a use-by date that might be recognised this time,” he said.
Cr Smith said Cr Oates’ departure from council handed the title of shortest councillor to Cr Dunleavy.
“I will miss Brian’s wit and outrageous times when he says something outrageous and gives you that wink. You shudder because you don’t know what will happen next,” he said.
Cr Lucas said he had enjoyed his time in local government after starting out as a youngster in February 1965.
“As a former CEO I never would have thought I would have ended up doing the things I’ve done.
“I say bring on change and I’m ready to go to the next stage in my interesting life.
“I’ve very much enjoyed my time as mayor. There have been no arguments outside the chamber but some doozies inside,” he said.
“The democracy we have in local government is the best thing because that’s where the real people are. That’s why I’ve chosen to stay in local government for so long.”