Margaret O'Rourke
Margaret O'Rourke OAM is an Australian former politician who served as mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo from 2016 to 2020.
Early life and career
Prior to her election to the council, O'Rourke worked for Telstra.[1]
Political career
O’Rourke was first elected to the City of Greater Bendigo Council in the 2016 election, where she received 16.1% of the primary vote in Eppalock Ward. She was elected by the council to serve as mayor with former Bendigo mayor Rod Fyffe serving as deputy mayor. This marked the introduction of the position of deputy mayor within the City of Greater Bendigo. [2]
In 2017, the council reelected O’Rourke as mayor, with councilor Jennifer Alden serving as deputy mayor. [3] As mayor, O'Rouke advocated for the establishment of the Galkangu state government services hub which streamlined public services in Bendigo.[4][5] During O'Rourke's tenure as mayor, Qantas opened passenger transport flights between Bendigo Airport and to Sydney commencing in March 2019.[6]
In 2018, the council once again reelected O’Rourke as mayor, with Fyffe returning as deputy mayor.
O'Rouke was elected mayor for a final time in 2019, with councilor Matt Emond serving as deputy mayor. As mayor of Bendigo at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, O'Rourke led the council in managing the city's initial response.[7]
In the 2020 election, O'Rourke was reelected to the council with 28.41% of the primary vote. [8]
In 2024 O'Rouke received the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community in the King’s Birthday Honours List. [9]
O'Rouke did not contest the 2024 election.
Post-council career
O’Rourke was appointed as the Head of La Trobe University's Bendigo campus in January 2024 [10]
References
- ^ Scicluna, Angela (2018-05-31). "Interview with: Mayor Cr Margaret O'Rourke". Regional Capitals Australia. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "City congratulates Cr Margaret O'Rourke OAM | City of Greater Bendigo". www.bendigo.vic.gov.au. 2024-06-10. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
- ^ "Past Councillors | City of Greater Bendigo". www.bendigo.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ Writers, Staff (2024-06-10). "Former mayors recognised in King's Birthday honours". Government News. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ Victoria, Regional Development (2023-09-01). "Galkangu - Bendigo GovHub". Regional Development Victoria. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "New Qantas service to fly from Bendigo to Sydney six days a week". www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au. 2018-12-09. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Bendigo mayor calls for more detail about COVID-19 infections in regional areas". www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au. 2020-08-14. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Greater Bendigo City Council election results 2020". www.vec.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "City congratulates Cr Margaret O'Rourke OAM | City of Greater Bendigo". www.bendigo.vic.gov.au. 2024-06-10. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ University, La Trobe. "Bendigo Campus Head appointed". www.latrobe.edu.au. Retrieved 2024-11-27.