Chaffey Ward Councillor and Education Advocate Elected to Lead Wyndham City Council
In a decisive move during tonight’s council meeting, Chaffey Ward Councillor Jennie Barrera was elected as the new Mayor of Wyndham City. This marks a significant moment for Cr Barrera, who joined the council in 2020 and is now serving her first term as Mayor.
Cr Barrera, also the CEO of the Wyndham Community and Education Centre, brings a wealth of experience in education and community services to her new role. Her involvement in working with young people and culturally diverse communities has been notable, reflecting her dedication to the betterment of the local community.
A long-time resident of Werribee, Cr Barrera’s professional background includes a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Language and Literacy, an Advanced Diploma in Community Business Management, and a recently completed PhD in History. She is additionally the chairperson of the Wyndham Humanitarian Network.
Deputy Mayor for the 2022/23 term, Cr Barrera will be joined by newly elected Deputy Mayor Josh Gilligan, also from Chaffey Ward. Cr Gilligan, in his second term on the council, previously served as Mayor for the 2019/20 term.
Having moved to Tarneit from country Victoria seven years ago, Cr Gilligan is passionate about building a liveable city in Wyndham. His focus for this term is on enhancing the quality of life for residents by making it easier for them to raise families, work locally, and have access to necessary amenities close to home.
Cr Gilligan, who holds a Bachelor of Arts and Management from Deakin University, has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ course, providing him with a solid foundation in the roles and duties of board directors.
Outgoing Mayor Cr Susan McIntyre expressed her gratitude on social media, reflecting on her term and thanking the community for their support. She acknowledged Deputy Mayor Cr Jennie Barrera, fellow councillors, and the residents of Wyndham for their guidance and support. Cr McIntyre highlighted the honour and privilege of serving the vibrant community, expressing excitement about continuing to work toward great achievements for Wyndham alongside her colleagues.
