For the first time since 1983, Junee Shire Council is without its one of its longest serving councillors.
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After serving on council for 33 years, including 17 years as mayor, Lola Cummins has hung up her hat.
Ms Cummins blazed a trail for aspiring female councillors to follow, being elected as Junee’s second female councillor and first female mayor.
Projects completed under Ms Cummins stewardship include the construction of the medical centre, recreation centre and library, facilities which set Junee apart from many towns of similar size.
Mayor Neil Smith said Junee had undergone a remarkable transformation under Ms Cummins’ stewardship.
“During the early 1990’s Junee was at an all time low,” Cr Smith said.
“Low in terms of public infrastructure and low in terms of community self-esteem.
“In the 17 years that Lola Cummins has been mayor we have seen a huge turnaround for the people of Junee.”
Some of the council initiated, public infrastructure improvements this town has seen under the leadership of Ms Cummins include:
- Main upgrade of Junee’s two main streets including fully accessible footpaths, street furniture, gardens, lighting, paving and pedestrian blisters.
- Construction of a $2.5 million indoor sports and aquatic centre.
- Construction of a $1.5million public library.
- A bike path network that connects all major traffic nodes, residential, rural residential, sporting and other facilities.
- New, relocated soccer ground and amenities. This relocation provided the site for the new $13 million hospital close to the centre of town.
- New medical centre currently housing seven doctors, as well as other health professions including dentist, pathology, psychologist, optometrist, ultra-sound and physiotherapist.
