Councillor Column - 8 October 2025 - Cr Shirley Cornish

Published on 08 October 2025

We often hear about the three Rs in local government: Roads, Rates and Rubbish. They are the essential bones of what we do. I would like to shine a light on a different kind of three Rs that reflect the heart of what Hepburn Shire can be.

These are, Renewal, Respect and Resilience.

In the last 12 months we have been working on refreshing and renewing policy and strategies to support our community, from the youngest to the oldest.

Respect for each other our history, the environment and the land we share. We have attended workshops, contributed to masterplans and structure plans, and conducted surveys to gather community ideas and feedback to shape how we grow.

One place where this truly comes alive is in Glenlyon. The Glenlyon Recreation Reserve is not just a park but part of our local heritage. Council recently made the thoughtful decision to renovate and restore the heritage-listed Glenlyon Pavillion rather than replace it. This isn’t just about replacing timber and tiles – it’s about preserving identity and honouring the memories held in those walls, while upgrading it with modern facilities, accessibility and safety.

The project has been guided by many, and I sincerely thank the Project Advisory Group for their contribution and support as we travelled through the process ensuring this decision remained grounded in community values.

And finally – Resilience.

Our Council is not just managing services but building systems that help our community bounce back and move forward.

Renewal, Respect and Resilience are the foundations of a community that not only works, but cares.

And I think that Hepburn Shire, thanks to the strength of its people, is showing just how powerful that can be.