CORANGAMITE Shire's newest councillor says she is ready for the challenge and looking forward to helping the community.
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Noorat dairy and beef farmer Geraldine Conheady won the by-election with 38.4 per cent of the central ward vote.
Mrs Conheady received 1865 first preference votes, with Camperdown's Michael Emerson receiving 24.5 per cent of the vote, picking up 1189 first preference votes.
Camperdown's Catherine O'Flynn received 19.7 per cent of the vote, Bostocks Creek's Lance Robilliard received 14.4 per cent and Terang's John Glazebrook picked up 2.9 per cent of the vote.
Mrs Conheady said she was very pleased to have support from voters.
She campaigned strongly in the ward and said being visible in the community was part of a councillor's role.
"I felt like I'm making a commitment and that's part of what I should be doing, that goes with the territory," she said.
"You do need to be out there, to let them know who you are and what you're about and I was happy to do that and I certainly met some nice people.
"Obviously from the outset I knew there was a lot of work and it's a big commitment, but even so I'm prepared to do that. I really am motivated to do what I can for the community so I am looking forward to that challenge."
Mrs Conheady thanked the community and the support she received from family and friends.
"(They) gave me a lot of encouragement so I'm very grateful for that and now I feel that it's time for me to do my part and I'm looking forward to making a big effort."
Mrs Conheady grew up near Warrnambool and has lived in the Terang area for the greater part of her life.
Previously she told The Standard strengthening the agricultural industry was vital for the future of the shire.
"Agriculture is important to me being in dairy ourselves, it really is a foundation industry in this shire," she said. "I'm in the industry and nothing too much changed for us during coronavirus which indicates how important agriculture is in this region."
According to the Victorian Electoral Commission website of the 6006 people enrolled in the ward 4953 people voted. The by-election was called after the death of councillor Wayne Oakes in March.
