Cr Akers is looking to the future and hopes to lead a functioning council that is able to come to consensus from a diversity of thought.
“What we really want to do is tick off some of those projects that have been priorities for a good while now, and move on to some new ones to really sort of shape where we're going,” Cr Akers said.
First elected to Greater Shepparton City Council in 2022, Cr Akers represents the Pine Lodge ward, which covers both his current dairy farm in Tallygaroopna and Orrvale, where his ancestors established an orchard when they arrived in 1912.
He has been involved with local tennis for five decades and said that through council he had seen the diversity of what Shepparton had to offer in other areas, such as the arts, and praised the Shepparton Art Museum.
“That’s not in every regional town,” Cr Akers said.
He also praised the local service clubs for their community involvement.
“You just need to reach out and there will be something there for you,” he said.
He now gets a go at the mayoralty following the resignation of Shane Sali, who is on leave from council to stand in the Victorian election in November.
Cr Akers’ background includes a number of roles representing dairy farmers, including 12 years on the board of Dairy Australia and four as chair.
After he stepped away from advocacy at a national level, Cr Akers didn’t want to take another position that would have him away from home for long periods, and he was keen to do something more regional.
In 2022, Cr Akers felt the time was right to run for council under the new wards structure.
Since then, council has celebrated a number of achievements, including the redeveloped Princess Park and the opening of the first stage of GV Link.
Cr Akers has also brought agriculture back into focus for the council, ensuring that it remains a priority in the council’s multi-year plans.
Previously serving as the deputy mayor, Cr Akers became acting mayor on September 7 and was elected as mayor unopposed on September 15.
Multiple councillors asked him to put his hand up for the role, and during his acceptance speech, Cr Akers thanked his colleagues for their confidence in him.
“It’s a new phase and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the community,” Cr Akers said.
One of his first challenges as mayor will be advocating for the City of Greater Shepparton during the upcoming state election.
Cr Akers identified the redevelopment of the Shepparton Sports and Events Centre, a bus network review and upgrades to GV Health as priorities for the region.
Council has extended invitations to all election candidates for a meeting to discuss the priorities for the region.
