New Mayor Mark Radford to build on Horsham’s strengths

Published on 08 November 2018

New Mayor Mark Radford has pledged to draw on his passion for a better future for the Wimmera as he guides Horsham Rural City Council for the next 12 months.

Cr Radford was elected to the position at tonight’s Special Statutory Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Horsham.

Cr Radford was first elected to Council in November 2008 and previously served one term as Mayor in 2014-2015.

The 60-year-old is a self-employed electrical contractor and a member of the Salvation Army, YMCA, Arapiles Cycling Event and Secretary for the Vectis Rural Fire Brigade

In his speech, Cr Radford said he would endeavour to make the next year productive and enjoyable for the Councillor group.

“I thank my fellow Councillors for affording me this opportunity - your energy, passion and commitment to delivering positive outcomes for our community is outstanding,” Cr Radford said.

“We each bring a mixture of experiences, areas of passion and expertise and we have a great diversity of ideas.

“But, to be an effective Council, we must be a highly-functioning team and I am proud to say, that this Council is 100 per cent focused on delivering for the community that we all love,” he said.

Cr Radford also spoke of his belief that Horsham and district was a great place to live.

“There are always at least two ways to look at any issue. To have a ‘glass half full’ attitude or a ‘glass half empty’ perspective.  I will try to encourage the former,” he said.

“We must be careful not to let the search for ‘perfection’ make us miss out, on what is ‘good’.

“History records the challenges faced by the early pioneers, indigenous communities, challenges faced by our farming families, who for generations have worked, to produce  crops and rear stock through the most productive or heartbreaking seasons.

“Our biggest challenge, that I have observed, since moving here 27 years ago, is making the transition from a country town to a rural city.

“We need to provide the modern facilities that make a place an attractive option to live, particularly to entice the professional people we need, doctors, nurses, dentists, police, engineers, etc to make the move from the capital cities,” he said.

Cr Radford took the opportunity to thank his predecessor.

“I want to especially recognise the efforts of two-time Mayor Pam Clarke,” Cr Radford said.

“We sincerely thank Pam for her tireless efforts, advocacy and support of this community throughout the last year.

“The Horsham community is grateful for her service.”