Cr Wells has been presented with the Emeritus Mayor’s Award and a certificate of appreciation for his continuing service to the community as a long standing elected representative.

Cr Wells was first elected to Murrumbidgee Shire Council in 1999 until it was merged to form Murrumbidgee Council.

He served as mayor for a decade from 2004 to 2014 and between 2000 and 2004, and again from 2014 to 2016, he was elected as deputy mayor.

In 2017, Cr Wells was elected as a representative of the Murrumbidgee ward.

Cr Wells thanked his fellow councillors and Murrumbidgee Council staff, “my many years of service to council and the community are as a result of wanting to give back to the people of the council area,” he said.

“This is a fantastic place to live, work and bring up children, and it is a privilege to serve on council.

“You won’t always get your own way, but the bottom line must be what is going to benefit the whole community.”

Mayor Ruth McRae commended Cr Wells on his service to community through local government, and said it was a fitting tribute to his tireless work.

She said being able to balance work, life and council duties was a challenge and significant commitment.

“Our communities are best served by people who are at the table for the right reasons, and have that deep belief that local government is the voice of the people and you believe you can make a difference,” Councillor McRae said.

Cr McRae said Cr Wells vast experience in local government was essential to help ensure the council merger would be a success.