by Emma Ballingall
Tynong resident Alanna Pomeroy is looking forward to providing a local voice after being sworn in as Bunyip Ward councillor for Cardinia Shire.

"I didn't realise how excited I was until Monday," Cr Pomeroy said after taking office last week. "It all sort of hit home, it was all very real."
With long-standing councillor Graeme Moore retiring, two candidates stood in Bunyip Ward.
Cr Pomeroy, who expected a larger field, said both ran "very positive campaigns" focused on grassroots and the community.
"It was really nice to know, regardless of who got elected, it would be good (for the community)," she said of the contest between herself and Nar Nar Goon's Travis Parker.
Despite holding a 743-vote lead after the first day of counting, Cr Pomeroy faced a long wait for the result to be finalised. She finished with 3929 votes to Mr Parker's 3129.
Cr Pomeroy said she was shocked and surprised to attract 55.7 per cent of the vote, adding "I always thought it would be quite close."
Having announced her intention to run early, she believed this ultimately proved the difference and offered more opportunity for her to get out and about to community groups.
"I was learning the profile and understanding what the issues were. I think that will set me up really well now."
One of six new faces on council, Cr Pomeroy said the results showed "a definite community voice for change", although not necessarily in Bunyip Ward due to Mr Moore's retirement.
Last Monday's swearing-in offered the chance for the new council group to gather for the first time.
They include Brett Owen (Beacon Hills), Collin Ross (Central), Liz Roberts (Henty), Samantha-Jane Potter (Officer), Jack Kowarzik (Pakenham Hills), David Nickell (Ranges), Casey Thomsen (Toomuc) and Trudi Paton (Westernport).
"It was good to get to know each other," Cr Pomeroy said. "There's a really great feel."
Facing a four-month induction process, Cr Pomeroy was excited to get to work and set the council plan.
Acknowledging her election campaign focused on safer roads, local jobs and community infrastructure, she said "all three will come through pretty clearly in the council plan."
Whilst she had a chat to Mr Moore before standing, Cr Pomeroy said she would utilise experienced fellow councillors, council's executive team as well as a great network of people she met through her participation in the Women Leading Locally program to settle into her new role.
"I will not forge my own path but seek advice as needed," she said. "I'm feeling really supported in that way."
Cardinia Shire councillors will meet on Monday to elect a mayor and deputy mayor during a statutory meeting. The first ordinary council meeting will follow next month.