Long-standing Hepburn Shire Councillor Don Henderson has been awarded the Mayor Emeritus title from the Municipal Association Victoria (MAV) for his long-standing service to the community and three terms as Mayor of the Hepburn Shire.
The award was announced at the 2026 Councillor Service Awards dinner, held in Melbourne on 22 October.
Serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012 -13 he was then elected Mayor in 2013 -2014, 2018 -2019, and 2024 -2025 at the annual elections.
Cr Don Hendeson said he was extremely honoured to receive the award.
“The opportunity to be a councillor has led to great fulfilment, and the chance to be part of a team that has made a difference cannot be underestimated. In my time I have adopted a view of doing my best for those least able to represent themselves and have a voice. Time spent with many young people has enriched my own life and I hope I have had a positive influence upon them. The protection of the rights of women and children has also been a huge focus and will continue. For those who say being a councillor is a thankless job, I say it is exactly the opposite and putting into community returns the favour many times over. This award is not for me but for the many people who have supported positive changes over all of these years,” said Cr Don Henderson.
The current Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, commended Cr Henderson for his commitment to our community across a lifetime
“As the longest-serving councillor since Hepburn Shire was formed in 1995, Cr Don Henderson is clocking over a remarkable 18 years in the role. Over this time Cr Henderson has made a major contribution and his committed, care and dedication serves as an example to us all.”
That sentiment is echoed by the Interim CEO, Janet Dore.
“Since being appointed Interim CEO, I’ve been struck by Councillor Henderson’s genuine interest in the broad-ranging concerns of his constituency. They have kept him engaged and extremely busy through some challenging times, including natural disasters, focus on workplace safety, and large capital works and infrastructure programs. Cr Henderson has served the community in which he was born and raised, and the wider community, to a high standard,” said Ms Dore.
Part of Cr Don Henderson’s ongoing legacy is his advocacy for important projects such as Djuwang Baring, the world-class mountain bike trail network at Creswick, his role in supporting the community during emergencies by building resilience and supporting mitigation measures.
Cr Don Henderson has a diverse background in construction, safety and industrial relations, and community leadership, including with the inaugural steering committee of National Women in Construction, and on the Homeless Building Trust.
This information was sourced from the Hepburn Shire.
