by Emma Ballingall

It was with mixed emotions that Peter Kostos bid farewell to councillor life after 17 years sitting in the Baw Baw Shire council chamber.

Now in his early 70s, he announced "I've had enough" in July this year, opting to not seek re-election.
He said "it's been nice to sleep well at night", especially as East Ward hung in the balance.
As the new-look council starts its induction process this week, Mr Kostos took time to reflect on his time as a councillor, emphasising "I only hope I've done a good job."
"At the end of the day, it's been a great experience," Mr Kostos said. "I've met so many people and I only hope I've left the shire in a better state that when I started."
"Coming into the last meeting, it was quiet. There was no great stress. It's probably mixed emotions and trying to think of the good you have done," he said.
A retired livestock agent, Mr Kostos said his ward had expanded and changed dramatically over his 17 years.
Whilst not having the opportunity to serve as mayor and recent "dysfunctional" council were disappointing, he said community interaction and positive comments kept him going.
His highlight was undoubtedly representing and interacting with rural communities.
"It's the want to do something for the shire, for the people," Mr Kostos said.
"I've had many people say, 'I don't know how you do it'. You do get a lot of flak but it only takes that one little thing or good comment. It just keeps you going."
Elections have provided mixed results for Mr Kostos. His first attempt was unsuccessful and he lost two further elections before being returned mid-term on both occasions.
However, he polled strongly in the previous two elections.
Mr Kostos first stood for council in 2003 in Central Ward to assist Ian Clark. However, he was injured in a bike accident and unable to campaign.
A switch to the "all rural" Lardner Ward in 2005 proved fruitful, and he was elected as the standalone councillor.
When Lardner Ward was absorbed into the two-councillor Mt Worth Ward and took in Yarragon and Trafalgar townships, Mr Kostos said the different dynamics saw him finish third in the 2008 and 2012 elections.
However, the sudden death of long-serving councillor Bill Harrington in 2013 and resignation of John Durrant in 2011, saw him returned to the chamber.
"And, I have been ever since."
"Your job is policy and procedures, but you always get interaction with the community over issues," Mr Kostos said.
He said it was enjoyable to sort through some of the issues and, at times, achieve good results. He was even answering phone calls and "getting things sorted" up to the final meeting.
Other highlights of his councillor years were achieving placemaking project grants for smaller communities and attending citizenship and community grant events.
Australia Day and Anzac Day were favourite events, allowing him to get out and chat with the community.
Throughout his term, Mr Kostos said the councillor role had changed.
One of the biggest was interactions with shire staff. He reflected that, back in 2005, he could walk into the shire offices, stop at desks and chat with officers.
Whilst interactions had largely diminished with rule changes, he offered strong praise for officers across the years.
"I've had a great rapport with the staff and wish everyone the best."
Having been part of five different councils, Mr Kostos said "generally we've been able to work together pretty well, even if we didn't get on. I'd like to think we've made good decisions," he said.
However, he believed the outgoing council had "fallen apart" after Joe Gauci's resignation in April 2023.
"This council has had, I would say, some ineffectual councillors with limited impact," he said. "It's been dysfunctional for two years."
He believed meetings hadn't been run as they should and communication had been lacking, raising "a number of issues."
One disappointment for Mr Kostos was he never had the chance to serve as mayor, despite putting his hand up several times.
He labelled the mayoral vote last year as "appalling" for throwing Tricia Jones "under the bus."
"I could have been a good mayor but never got the opportunity. Call it a grudge, call it whatever you like."
Looking ahead, Mr Kostos said East Ward would need to change ahead of the next elections due to sheer size, signalled a three-storey height limit may need exploring and hoped the contentious precinct structure plans (PSPs) would put the shire in a good position.
Mr Kostos estimated 85 to 90 per cent of residents didn't take much notice of local government "until their rates notice comes out."
"If you're honest and do an honest job, people will respect you for that and will seek your help and opinion along the way."
"I only hope I've done a good job over 17 years."
Mr Kostos is looking forward to tending to his farming property.
"I guess community wise, I'll just take 12 months off and have a bit of a breather."
His message for his successors was simple - "hopefully the new council enjoy it as much as I have."