Former Casey mayor Brian Oates was elected the president of the Casey Residents and Ratepayer Association (CRRA), taking over the role from the outgoing president Kasuni Mendis.
CRRA held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 16 November to confirm its financial accounts, annual report, and elect committee members for the 2024-2025 year.
The newly elected committee includes Brian Oates as president, Anthony Tassone as vice president, Andy Goldsworthy as secretary, Helen Horvath as treasurer, and David Parr and Aftab Hussain as general committee members.
Mr Oates said he was grateful for being elected president following the nomination and endorsement by members.
“The CRRA looks forward to collaborating with our elected council, whilst holding them accountable for representing the interests of our members and residents, particularly given the commitments made by successful candidates during their respective election campaigns,” he said.
“Our rates must deliver value for residents. We deserve accountability and transparency on the use of council funds to ensure our community benefits and the council is working in the resident’s interests.
“On behalf of the CRRA, I would like to congratulate Kasuni on her fantastic contribution to our association and the broader community.
“She has been a tireless advocate and volunteer for the City of Casey for many years. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours.”
Ms Mendis did not seek re-election to the committee after eight years of service.
She said she was proud of CRRA’s achievements and felt it was the right time to step back from the role.
“The CRRA has long been a voice for residents and sought to hold our council to account.
“The CRRA has been at the forefront of and will continue to advocate and help influence council policies and decisions in representing the City of Casey residents’ best interests,” she said.
“I would like to thank the committee and the members for their support.
“It was pleasing to see the long-awaited local government elections in Casey after eight long years because of the dismissal of the council in 2020 and the subsequent Operation Sandon report.
“We congratulate all the elected councillors and wish them the best of luck for the upcoming term to serve our residents, as our residents deserve genuine and
transparent local representation.”
The CRRA welcomes interest in membership and participation in their advocacy initiatives.
To find out more, contact CRRA via Facebook: facebook.com/CaseyRatepayersAndResidents
