The Golden Plains Shire Council consists of Councillors who are democratically elected by the electors of Golden Plains Shire in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020.
Councillors of Golden Plains Shire are committed to working together, behaving with integrity and making competent decisions. Read about their commitment here in the Model Councillor Code of Conduct.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Hayden, is serving on Council for the first time after being elected in 2024. She is a qualified social worker and equine-assisted psychotherapist practicing locally. Cr Hayden is passionate about supporting the community’s wellbeing.
As a proud mum of five children, Cr Hayden and her family enjoy sporting activities within her local community and broader region. Cr Hayden is a strong advocate for using local businesses and services to strengthen our region. She is a dedicated volunteer, providing emotional support and psychological first aid to people impacted by disasters, particularly during bushfire seasons.
Cr Hayden is committed to working with fellow councillors to ensure that every voice in the community is heard and respected. She is committed to fostering openness, accountability and inclusivity, ensuring Council remains truly representative of the people it serves.
Cr Hayden serves on Council’s Audit and Risk Committee, G21- Board of Directors, Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils and Peri Urban Group of Councils.
Cr Emma Robbins grew up on a dairy farm in rural Victoria. She is an active member of the Smythesdale community, volunteering with the local fire brigade and Country Women's Association. Cr Robbins enjoys being active through sports like soccer and futsal
Cr Robbins is serving on Council for the first time after being elected in 2024. She is a technology consultant, collaborating with clients on design, engineering, budget, strategy, risk and governance. Prior to this role, her professional background was in law and government. Cr Robbins extensive employment experience has equipped her with an understanding of government decision-making as well as advocacy and negotiation skills.
Cr Robbins is driven by her values of compassion and authenticity. She is committed to building trust between Council and the community by providing residents with meaningful opportunities to contribute to Council decisions. She is passionate about supporting residents, local businesses, and community groups to respond to the risk of natural disasters and extreme weather.
Cr Des Phelan is one of the longest-serving representatives in the Golden Plains Shire, with over 30 years of dedicated service, including multiple terms as Mayor.
As a lifelong farming resident of the northern Shire, Cr Phelan deeply understands the unique challenges faced by local communities, particularly farmers who have often felt underrepresented in Council decisions.
Committed to ensuring the northern Shire has a stronger voice, Cr Phelan brings extensive experience and strong community ties to his advocacy for fair representation and improved services. His focus will be on addressing key issues such as advocating for access to road funding, implementing a fair and equitable rating system, and promoting strategic, planned growth that benefits the entire Shire.
With a proven track record of championing practical and progressive policies, Cr Phelan believes that good governance comes from listening to the community and taking decisive action. He is dedicated to ensuring that Council decisions are informed, strategic and reflect the needs of all residents.
Cr Phelan remains passionate about working towards a brighter, more inclusive future for Golden Plains Shire.
A resident of the Shire for over 40 years, Cr Brett Cunningham has lengthy professional experience in the areas of Marketing, Corporate Services and Stakeholder relationships.
Serving his second term as a Councillor after being re-elected in 2024, Cr Cunningham is dedicated to strengthening confidence in Council and building community support through transparency and community engagement. Cr Cunningham served as Mayor of Golden Plains Shire in 2022/23 and 2023/24, was Council’s representative on the Peri Urban Group of Councils, Tourism Greater Geelong Bellarine Board, G21 Board of Directors, and a member of the Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils.
Cr Cunningham has a strong commitment to community service and making Golden Plains Shire a better place to live. He is dedicated to ensuring that a fair and equitable annual rating system benefits the needs of the community. Cr Cunningham is passionate about ensuring the infrastructure needed to support current and future population growth is a priority of Council. This includes, advocating for the enhancement of access to public transport and a strong commitment to ensuring the effective maintenance of Council’s drainage systems and roads to meet community’s needs.
Cr Cunningham is the current Chairperson of the Bannockburn & Surrounds Neighbourhood Watch Group and a Board member of the Bannockburn & District Grants Group.
Cr Helena Kirby has lived in Rokewood for 35 years and with her family, she owns and operates the Rokewood Take Away store. Cr Kirby is serving her fifth consecutive term as a Councillor.
Cr Kirby is passionate about ensuring equity of services in the Shire’s small towns, community consultation and engagement, and community planning. During the Council term, she is focused on economic development, activating community spaces including local halls and playgrounds, and protecting the rural lifestyle of Golden Plains Shire.
Cr Kirby serves as the Chair of Council's Councillor Contracts Committee and is Council's representative with Rural Councils Victoria.
Cr Owen Sharkey was re-elected to his third term as a Councillor in 2024, after first being elected in 2016. Cr Sharkey was Mayor of Golden Plains Shire in 2018/19 and 2019/20 and has a background in bricklaying, stonemasonry and real estate.
Cr Sharkey is dedicated to providing practical solutions and has a deep understanding of planning, governance, and community needs across the Golden Plains Shire. He is committed to promoting fairness and transparency, with a focus on ensuring rating systems are equitable and reflect community needs. Additionally, he is a strong proponent of sustainable infrastructure to support the region’s growth and development.
Cr Sharkey is passionate about enhancing the community’s quality of life through thoughtful governance while fostering inclusivity and advocating for policies that equitably serve every corner of Golden Plains Shire.
Cr Sharkey is a dedicated family man and proud father of three daughters. Alongside his wife, Cr Sharkey is actively involved in the local community, enjoys outdoor activities, and is passionate about running and the vibrant outdoor lifestyle our region offers.