Myles Bentley is an “unsuccessful” guitarist, an avid jogger, hardworking solicitor and Melton’s new Coburn ward councillor.
“I thank the community for this opportunity and look forward to hopefully serving the community as best as I can,” Cr Bentley said.
“I want to listen to what the community has to say, what the community wants and I look forward to delivering it.”
The 28-year-old was sworn in at the council meeting on April 1 after a countback of the Coburn ward votes from the 2012 election.
He replaces outgoing councillor Michael Matalewski, who resigned in February.
Cr Bentley used the Easter long weekend to catch up on his council papers and browse the positive comments on social media.
“Being in a role as a solicitor, I’m used to a demanding job. You’ve got to give 110 per cent to what you do and it’s just something I’m going to commit to.
“I made the comment to my girlfriend that she’s going to see less and less of me.”
Cr Bentley said he wanted to listen to the community before raising any issues in the council chamber.
On rate-capping, the new councillor had a bob each way.
“Rate-capping – it’s good and it’s bad,” he said.
“It’s good because times are tough, prices of everything are going through the roof … and whatever we can do to help our community is good.
“But in saying that, we don’t want to restrict the council, we want to be able to deliver the services.”
Cr Bentley joins mayor Sophie Ramsey and Cr Bob Turner in representing Coburn ward, which covers Melton, Brookfield, Melton South, Kurunjang and Melton West. The mayor congratulated Cr Bentley on his new role.
“[Cr Bentley’s] passion, professionalism and dedication to our community has already been exhibited through his volunteer efforts and local work commitments,” she said.
“We look forward to his valued input throughout the remainder of this council term.
Cr Bentley’s term as councillor ends in October next year. To contact him, email myles.bentley@melton.vic.gov.au or call 0407 015 022.
