By Matthew Sims
Two Hobsons Bay councillors have received recognition for their contributions to the council as part of the Municipal Association of Victoria [MAV] councillor service awards.
Held on October 14, the awards celebrated long service milestones of councillors and councillors who have served three or more full terms as mayor.
Hobsons Bay councillor Tony Briffa received an award for 10 years of service to Hobsons Bay council.
An engineer, Justice of the Peace and international human rights advocate, Cr Briffa was first elected to the council in 2008, served as deputy mayor in 2009-10, 2010-11, 2017-18 and as mayor in 2011-12.
Cr Briffa said it had been an honour representing the local community as a councillor and as mayor.
“I love working with residents, community groups, local businesses, other councillors and council staff, and am proud of what we’ve achieved over that time,” Cr Briffa said.
“I also acknowledge there is always more to do.
“I am a passionate advocate for our community, including people living with a disability, elderly residents, young people and LGBTIQ+ people, and it is such a pleasure to do what I can to help improve their lives.”
Cr Peter Hemphill received a Mayor Emeritus award as he comes towards the end of his third term as the mayor of Hobsons Bay.
Previously mayor in 2008-09 and 2015-16, the Newport resident is now in his seventh term as councillor after first being elected to council in 1999.
Cr Hemphill said it had been a “great privilege” to serve the Hobsons Bay community for three terms as mayor.
“I have a great passion for Hobsons Bay,” he said.
“It is a great community with an incredible history of contributing to the growth of Melbourne and Victoria.
“It is a diverse, beautiful place that has changed so much in the time I’ve been on council.”
