Owen Sharkey a clear winner in Golden Plains mayoral vote, takes aim at social media users

A three-way contest to become Golden Plains mayor turned out to be not a contest at all, with the winner using his first speech to take aim at those who “hide behind anonymous user names” on social media.

Owen Sharkey (centre) comfortably defeated Helena Kirby and Gavin Gamble to again become Golden Plains Shire mayor.

The newly elected Golden Plains mayor has used his first speech to take a swipe at “faceless residents” who he says are undermining democracy by posting abuse and peddling falsehoods on social media.

Owen Sharkey, a councillor since 2016, comfortably defeated Helena Kirby and Gavin Gamble to become mayor for the third time.

The real estate agent was supported by his predecessor Sarah Hayden, Des Phelan and Emma Robbins, while Ms Kirby and Mr Gamble received only their own vote.

Mr Sharkey takes charge at a council that must win back public trust following a series of resignations and infighting.

He took particular aim at activity within community Facebook groups which he described as “deeply damaging”.

“Unlike some of the voices we see on social media, we do not hide behind anonymous user names, we front up, we engage and we respond,” he said.

“We have a responsibility to challenge each other through respectful debate and that is how good decisions are made for our communities.

“But the growing trend of faceless residents posting abuse, lies, misogynistic commentary and defamatory statements online is deeply damaging, not only to individuals but to the health of our democracy.

“This behaviour must be called out, not just by councillors, but by the broader community – we must all say enough is enough.

“It is possible and necessary to hold public figures accountable without dehumanising them.”

Golden Plains Shire councillors following their swearing in, from left to right, Brett Cunningham, Sarah Hayden, Lachlan Glen, Helena Kirby, Emma Robbins, Des Phelan and Owen Sharkey. Mr Cunningham and Mr Glen have since resigned. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Sharkey said he was keen to represent all corners of the diverse communities that fall within the shire’s boundaries, but relationships “must be grounded in respect”.

He also touched on the task facing the council group, which is currently one member short following Brett Cunningham’s recent resignation.

“Councillors, we have a great deal ahead of us, we must rebuild trust, model integrity, and bring our focus back to the work that matters most and the reasons we were elected upon – delivering for the people of Golden Plains,” Mr Sharkey said.

“Looking ahead, I believe there are policy improvements we can make to help us function more cohesively as a group and strengthen our approach to community consultation.

“Decisions made with the community, not just for them, are stronger, fairer and will last longer.”

All councillors attended the Tuesday morning meeting in person, other than Ms Hayden, who participated remotely.

Ms Hayden, a first-term councillor, opted to remain on council after relinquishing the mayoral role half way through her one-year term.

In a social media post that coincided with her resignation, Ms Hayden said she had been subjected to “relentless bullying, vile attacks” after being elected mayor but did not specify from whom.

Mr Sharkey previously served as mayor for two terms from 2018-2020.

Earlier: Mayoral candidates declare hand ahead of Tuesday vote

A pair of Golden Plains councillors vying to become mayor are positioning themselves as best placed to bring stability to the shire following multiple resignations and community unrest just six months into the current four-year term.

Owen Sharkey and Helena Kirby confirmed their nomination ahead of the Tuesday vote, while the Greens’ Gavin Gamble would “neither confirm nor deny” his candidacy.

All three are former mayors of the shire and Ms Kirby has been acting in the role for the past month after Sarah Hayden took leave following reports she had been working remotely while on holiday in Las Vegas – something sanctioned by shire executives.

Ms Hayden resigned as mayor last week, saying the decision was made “to provide our shire with stability and to support a return to core business”.

Emma Robbins and Des Phelan said they would not nominate, while Ms Hayden, who is staying on as a councillor, will partake in the vote after returning from leave.

Ms Kirby said her experience as a two-term mayor would help provide the stability required following not only Ms Hayden’s resignation, but that of councillors Lachlan Glen and Brett Cunningham.

Mr Sharkey, elected in 2016 and also a two-term mayor, conveyed a similar message.

He said council’s focus needed to return to “the old, hard basics”.

“We need to be in the media for the right reasons,” he said.

“Hopefully Tuesday’s meeting is a more structured and more united presentation of council.”

Mr Phelan said he understood ratepayers’ frustration and hoped the election of a new mayor would prove to be a much-needed circuit breaker.

“We’ve had councillors resign, a chief executive, a mayor, it’s far from a good look,” he said.

Shane Walden was appointed chief executive in September but lasted only a few months, with details surrounding his departure unclear.

Ms Hayden said at the time he had decided to “pursue a different career path”.

Each nominee for mayor will be allocated five minutes to make their pitch before the formal vote takes place.

The Victorian Electoral Commission confirmed on Monday that a countback to elect Mr Cunningham’s replacement will take place on June 11.

Once Mr Cunningham is replaced, nine of the 10 candidates who stood for election will have spent time on council.

Originally published as Owen Sharkey a clear winner in Golden Plains mayoral vote, takes aim at social media users