Daniel Mulino is one of the new Edrington Ward councillors.By Bridget Brady and Kelly Yates
OUT with the old, and in with the new.
Casey voters sent this clear message as they elected eight new councillors, including a record five women, to the City of Casey.
Kevin Bradford, Lorraine Wreford and Wayne Smith were the only councillors to be re-elected.
Former mayor Janet Halsall lost her River Gum Ward seat despite polling the highest number of primary votes.
Ms Halsall told the News she was disappointed with the loss, but praised the election of five women.
She was overtaken by councillor Wayne Smith and Greens endorsed candidate Lynette Keleher.
Shar Balmes and Karen Baxter will represent an all-female Four Oaks Ward, defeating long-time councillor Rob Wilson and Paul Richardson.
Mr Wilson said his loss was the end of an era.
“Of course I’m disappointed, but it’s the voters who make the final decision,” Mr Wilson said.
Former VFL/AFL player Geoff Ablett easily won the sole Balla Balla Ward position with 6471 votes.
Voters booted out Mick Morland and Brian Hetherton from the Edrington Ward, ending Mr Morland’s 18-year reign as a councillor.
The new Edrington Ward councillors are the ALP aligned Daniel Mulino and Simon Elliott Curtis.
Mr Curtis said his ALP politics would have “very little” influence on his public obligations.
Joining Mr Bradford for his third term on council in Mayfield Ward is Casey Kidz Klub co-founder Amanda Stapledon.
Teaming up with the re-elected Ms Wreford in Springfield Ward is Sam Aziz.
The VEC finalised all votes on Tuesday.
The councillors will be sworn in at a special council meeting tonight.
>>>Election coverage, see pages 3,4 and 5.
