New councillor a voice for change

By Ewen McRae

The newest Melton councillor says she is looking forward to getting stuck into the business of helping the community.

Yvonne Sebire was sworn in as councillor for the Coburn ward last week, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Melissa De Santis last month.

A countback of the results of the 2016 council election was held on June 12.

Cr Sebire said the result came as a shock, but she was ready to step up to serve her community.

“I was surprised, but pleasantly surprised,” Cr Sebire said.

“Shortly after that it was excitement. I’m excited that I can now contribute on a larger scale for the community.

“I’ve been keeping up with the goings on at council, but one of the challenges now is to catch up on everything that council is already doing, and help to support all that.”

Cr Sebire said improvements to public transport and increasing assistance for domestic violence survivors were high on her priority list, and the reason she initially ran for council.

“I wanted to help people, and I wanted to be part of creating change in the community,” she said. “I think public transport around Melton is a big concern, and also I’d like to look into a crisis centre for domestic violence. I think that would be very helpful for our vulnerable residents.

“I’d also like to offer support and create more opportunities for business in Melton.”

Melton mayor Bob Turner said the council welcomed its newest elected member.

“We are pleased that Cr Sebire has accepted the opportunity to represent the community,” Cr Turner said.