THREE commissioners, 19 councillors and 19 executive group members have had time at the helm of Loddon Shire.
And on Friday night, many were at a function to mark the shire’s creation 30 years ago.
Formed after council amalgamations from former shires of Gordon, East Loddon, Korong and parts of the former shires of Marong, Bet Bet, Tullaroop and Maldon, the new Loddon Shire had commissioners for the first two years.
Charlton’s Peter Watts, who served with chief commissioner Goff Letts, said there was enormous consultation with communities in the early days.
He praised the influence of Mr Letts on then-premier Jeff Kennett for making the Loddon amalgamation workable and achieving support for sewerage connections to major towns.
Frank Maher, who would become the first mayor, said: “We had to make it (amalgamation) work.”
Mr Maher said he believed the original six councillors met that goal, one continued by future councillors and officers.
“We were very lucky with commissioner Letts,” Mr Maher said.
“The work has been carried on by later councillors, sensible people who have believed in putting shoulders to the wheel and helping communities.”
Mr Maher said that when on council, he knew the road between Serpentine and Wedderburn well. “It took 42 minutes.”
Challenges of council today had similarity with those of three decades ago, Mr Maher said, with water remaining a key for support of agriculture in the shire.
Mr Watts also highlighted that Loddon Shire from its inception had appointed young chief executive officers and directors who had provided good leadership and gone onto to make contributions to other councils.
Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh also attended the dinner.