Southern Down mayor Vic Pennisi concedes mayoral defeat as Hamilton declared winner

Outgoing Southern Downs mayor Vic Pennisi has conceded defeat and written his final words as mayor of our region. Here’s what he said.

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi

It’s the dawn of a new age for the Southern Downs, with Melissa Hamilton formally declared as the region’s next mayor.

Incumbent Vic Pennisi conceded the election on Monday, while Ms Hamilton declared victory last week.

“It is with a heavy heart that I pen these final words as mayor of Southern Downs. I bear no malice towards anyone in relation to the election result of March 16, 2024,” he wrote on Facebook on Monday.

The move came after much speculation, following newcomer Ms Hamilton sweeping the polls and picking up a lead early on.

Public sentiment was also confused, with Mr Pennisi deleting his ‘Vic 4 Mayor’ Facebook account, dedicated to his re-election, while votes were still being counted.

Mayor Vic Pennisi gets into the spirit at the Apple and Grape Festival grape crush, March 1, 2024

“This is democracy at work and the people have spoken. I wish the successful candidates all the best going forward and I hope that they collectively deliver good governance to the people of Southern Downs,” he wrote.

“I am also confident that other candidates who have not been successful in this election will find new opportunities going forward to continue the good work they have started in Southern Downs – I too am looking forward to new endeavours.”

These include incumbent councillors Andrew Gale, Stephen Tancred and Cameron Gow, who at this stage will not be re-elected for council.

“I wish the new mayor a successful future at the helm and I hope that she finds the same rewards that I have been blessed with during my tenure as mayor of Southern Downs. For me, the journey as mayor was amazing and I am deeply proud of what council achieved during my term.

Mayor Vic Pennisi at Wallangarra in late 2023, he was a calm and considerate leader during the Granite Belt November bushfire crisis.

“I have many fond memories of the 20 years I have been an elected representative and I thank the people of Southern Downs for their trust and support. I have given with good intent to the communities in Southern Downs, sometimes at the cost to my family. The future for me is bright and will give me more time to reconnect with family and friends.

Mr Pennisi served as the mayor since 2020, through a difficult period including droughts, major flooding and the Covid pandemic.

The Stanthorpe local was also a councillor for two decades prior to becoming mayor.

Known by many simply as Vic, Mr Pennisi guided the region through many challenging periods, however always had the time to poke a bit of fun at himself and not take himself so serious, particularly with his annual Christmas address.

“Finally to my supporters, I leave you with this message: ‘many forms of government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…’ Winston S Churchill,” his concession statement read.

“Thanks for all the memories Southern Downs and God bless you all.

“What a great place to live, work, play and stay, Vic.”

Mayor Vic Pennisi opening the Australia Day ceremony (Photo: Warwick Daily News)

Incoming mayor Melissa Hamilton, when declaring victory in the election, paid tribute to the incumbent for Mr Pennisi’s two decades on council.

“This is a long commitment not only from Mr Pennisi but also from his wife Sharon and his whole family in serving our community,” she said.

“I am sure tributes will also flow over the coming weeks from the many local organisations that Mr Pennisi has been involved with during his time on council.”

Originally published as Southern Down mayor Vic Pennisi concedes mayoral defeat as Hamilton declared winner