The extraordinary vacancy in Harvester Ward has been filled after a countback conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission on 23 January 2023.
The countback was based on voting undertaken at the 2020 Local Government election for Brimbank.
Thomas O’Reilly will be the new Councillor for the Ward, replacing former Councillor Trung Luu who was elected to State Parliament in late 2022.
He will be sworn in as a Brimbank Councillor at a Council Meeting on Monday 30 January at 7pm.
Thomas O’Reilly has served on the Brimbank Youth Council for two terms, in 2020 and 2021. He also participated in the Brimbank Community Leadership Program 2022, graduating from the program last December.
Since 2021 till the present, Thomas has also been a youth representative on the ‘Empowering Communities – Project Action Group’ facilitated by Youth Junction Inc, which oversees funding received through Council from the Department of Justice and Community Safety. The community representative group determines what programs will be supported to address matters related to young people and community safety within Brimbank.
In addition, Thomas has also been involved in initiatives focused on digitally engaging with the community, and advocating for the study of languages and greater mental health literacy.
The countback was based on voting undertaken at the 2020 Local Government election for Brimbank.
Thomas O’Reilly will be the new Councillor for the Ward, replacing former Councillor Trung Luu who was elected to State Parliament in late 2022.
He will be sworn in as a Brimbank Councillor at a Council Meeting on Monday 30 January at 7pm.
Thomas O’Reilly has served on the Brimbank Youth Council for two terms, in 2020 and 2021. He also participated in the Brimbank Community Leadership Program 2022, graduating from the program last December.
Since 2021 till the present, Thomas has also been a youth representative on the ‘Empowering Communities – Project Action Group’ facilitated by Youth Junction Inc, which oversees funding received through Council from the Department of Justice and Community Safety. The community representative group determines what programs will be supported to address matters related to young people and community safety within Brimbank.
In addition, Thomas has also been involved in initiatives focused on digitally engaging with the community, and advocating for the study of languages and greater mental health literacy.
Quotes attributable to Brimbank Mayor, Cr Bruce Lancashire:
“On behalf of Brimbank Council, I would like to welcome Thomas O’Reilly to the Brimbank Council team.
“Our Council is dedicated to making life better for the people of Brimbank. Our priority is to achieve a beautiful, thriving, healthy and connected Brimbank, and to leverage every opportunity to position our municipality for a brighter future.
“Along with my fellow Brimbank Councillors, I look forward to working with Thomas for the betterment of Brimbank.”
Quotes attributable to Councillor elect Thomas O’Reilly:
“I am very pleased to be elected councillor for Brimbank City Council.
“I am passionate about strengthening our community and enhancing our City, which is why I stood for election in 2020.
“I look forward to continuing my involvement in the community as a councillor in working towards a more beautiful, safer and resourced Brimbank.
“I would like to thank the community for giving me the chance to step up and be their voice, and my parents and my brother Christopher for their advice and support.”