West Wimmera Shire Council elects Cr Helen Hobbs as mayor

Published on 06 November 2026

Councillor Helen Hobbs has been elected Mayor of West Wimmera Shire Council, taking on the role for the first time.

Cr Hobbs was elected at Council’s annual statutory meeting in Edenhope on Wednesday.

She was first elected to Council in 2024.

Cr Hobbs said she was genuinely honoured by the confidence placed in her by fellow councillors and accepted the responsibility with humility and enthusiasm.

She said financial sustainability must remain central to Council’s decisions.

West Wimmera is one of Victoria’s largest rural shires, with a small ratepayer base, an extensive road network and significant infrastructure responsibilities.

Cr Hobbs said Council needed to make responsible financial decisions while continuing to advocate for the resources required to support the municipality.

“Our roads support farming, freight, businesses and the broader economy,” she said.

“We need to prioritise essential services and asset renewal, find efficiencies and be honest about what Council can afford.”

“However, financial responsibility should never mean a lack of ambition.

“We must continue advocating for fairer funding, strengthen our relationships across government, regional organisations, businesses and communities, and speak with one united voice.”

Cr Hobbs said roads remained an important responsibility for Council, supporting local farming, freight, businesses and the broader economy.

She said working with government and regional organisations would be important in securing support for local priorities.

Cr Hobbs also highlighted the importance of respectful working relationships between councillors.

“I want our community to see a Council that works together, communicates openly and is accessible,” she said.

Cr Hobbs said she would continue connecting with residents through councillor catch-ups and community events.

She said she wanted to be a visible and approachable mayor who listened to the community.

Cr Hobbs acknowledged outgoing mayor Cr Tim Meyer for his leadership over four consecutive terms.

She described his service as a significant achievement in the history of West Wimmera Shire and recognised his advocacy work on behalf of the municipality.

Cr Jodie Pretlove was elected Deputy Mayor.

Cr Pretlove was first elected to Council in 2016 and has served seven previous terms as either Mayor or Deputy Mayor.

She said she was honoured to take on the role.

“I’m excited to be part of this team and I look forward to supporting Cr Hobbs in her new role,” she said.

“I’m confident that together we can continue working towards a better West Wimmera Shire.”

West Wimmera Shire Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout congratulated Cr Hobbs and Cr Pretlove on their appointments and said he looked forward to working with them in the year ahead.