Following a countback process undertaken by the Victorian Electoral Commission, respected community leader Farhat Firdous has been elected to Baw Baw Shire Council’s Central Ward, filling the extraordinary vacancy created by former Councillor Joe Gauci’s recent resignation.
Ms Firdous brings a wealth of relevant expertise to her new role, informed by professional experience in media and communications, stakeholder engagement, regional planning, tertiary education, public service governance, and in the not-for-profit sector.
As the co-founder and chair of Intercultural Exchange Inc., Ms Firdous has spearheaded a community-minded organisation aimed at fostering safe spaces and strengthening a sense of belonging by reducing potential miscommunications, assumptions, and discrimination.
“On behalf of Baw Baw Shire Council, I’d like to congratulate Ms Firdous on her election,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe. “With her demonstrable experience and dedication to community engagement, I’ve no doubt she will bring an invaluable perspective to Council’s decision making processes. My fellow councillors and I look forward to working collaboratively with her to serve and represent the interests of Central Ward constituents, and the entire Baw Baw Shire community.”
On being elected to Council Ms Firdous says, “I would like to thank the community members, especially those who have supported and mentored me over the years, for enabling me to take up this amazing opportunity to serve my beloved community. I welcome opportunities to engage in conversations with local residents and represent diverse perspectives at the Council with an aim to create an inclusive and welcoming community.”
Ms Firdous will serve for the duration of the current Council term, which runs until November 2024.
