Cr Jo Beard recognised for 15 years of service
Published on 23 October 2026
Corangamite Shire Councillor Jo Beard has been recognised by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) for her significant contribution to local government and the community.
Cr Beard received a 15 Years' Service Award at the 2026 MAV Councillor Service Awards, held during the MAV Annual Conference Dinner on Thursday.
The Years' Service Awards recognise councillors who have completed milestone years of cumulative service in local government in Victoria.
First elected in 2011, the Tandarook Ward Councillor has served the community for 15 years, including three terms as Mayor. She previously received a 10 Years' Service Award in 2022 and was recognised with a Mayor Emeritus Award in 2018.
Reflecting on the milestone, Cr Beard said receiving the award was both humbling and an opportunity to reflect on her unexpected journey into local government.
“When I was approached to fill a councillor vacancy in 2011, with just 18 months remaining in the council term, I never imagined it would become a 15-year journey.
“What I expected to be a short-term opportunity became a role that gave me a genuine sense of purpose and a deep connection to the community I am privileged to represent.
“Over those 15 years, the experience has been unique, diverse, challenging, heartbreaking and incredibly rewarding, often all at the same time.”
Looking back on her years in local government, Cr Beard said supporting communities through difficult times had been one of the most significant parts of her service.
“One of the most difficult periods was serving as Mayor during the devastating St Patrick’s Day fires in 2018. Sharing that heartbreak with our community remains something I will never forget.
“Yet from that tragedy came immense pride as I witnessed the resilience, strength and determination of our communities during recovery, qualities they continue to demonstrate today, including communities impacted by this year's fire events.”
Cr Beard said local government had provided opportunities to advocate for communities and help deliver meaningful outcomes across the region.
“While local government can at times be challenging, I have always been grateful for the opportunity to advocate for our communities and help create positive outcomes across Corangamite and the broader region.”
Cr Beard said some of her proudest achievements were the projects that deliver long-term benefits for the community.
“The opening of the new Hampden P-12 College was another highlight. The project was the result of years of advocacy, and seeing students and staff thrive in facilities they deserved was incredibly rewarding.
“Knowing I played a small part in helping deliver that outcome remains one of my proudest moments.
“More recently, the opening of the Keerray Woorroong Visitor Experience at the Twelve Apostles has been a significant milestone.
“It represents years of advocacy and planning to bring a key project of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan to life and create a lasting cultural and economic asset for our region.”
Beyond major projects, Cr Beard said some of the most meaningful achievements were often the everyday improvements that make a difference to people's lives.
“Whether it is helping secure road upgrades, connecting footpaths, improving sporting facilities, renewing streetscapes, installing community infrastructure or supporting youth development and positive ageing initiatives, every outcome matters.
“In recent years I have also been proud to contribute more strongly to the access and inclusion space, drawing on my own lived experience to advocate for greater understanding and improved opportunities for others.”
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018, Cr Beard said the support of family, friends and colleagues had helped her continue doing work she was passionate about.
“While the diagnosis changed many things, it never changed my commitment to serving the community.
“With the incredible support of my family, friends and colleagues, I have continued to fulfil a role that I love.
“While my physical capabilities may be changing, my passion for local government and dedication to the people I represent remain as strong as ever.”
Reflecting on her time in local government, Cr Beard said she had been fortunate to be supported by family, colleagues and mentors throughout her journey.
“I have been fortunate throughout my time on Council to be surrounded by exceptional people.
“The dedication, professionalism and expertise of Council staff have always impressed me, and their commitment to serving the community is something I deeply value.
“I have also had the privilege of serving alongside councillors who have shaped me as a leader. Councillor Ruth Gstrein has consistently demonstrated authentic leadership and genuine care for the people she represents. Her commitment to remaining focused on outcomes for the community is a quality I have long admired and sought to emulate.
“Former Councillor and Mayor Geoff Smith was a mentor from the beginning. He taught me the importance of remaining genuine, preparing thoroughly, engaging in respectful debate and always putting community first.
“Former Mayor Chris O'Connor also had a profound influence on my journey. In 2015, he encouraged me to step into the role of Mayor because he believed I was ready. At the time, serving as a councillor, let alone Mayor, was never part of my life plan.”
Cr Beard said the support of her family had been fundamental to her ability to serve the community.
“Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without the support of my family.
“My husband Daniel and our sons Jordan and Cooper have shared this entire journey with me. They have supported the long hours, evening meetings, weekend commitments and the realities that come with public life.
“What began with two young boys is now a story shared with two young men who understand why their mum does what she does and the importance of standing up for your community and making a difference where you can.”
Cr Beard joins a growing list of Corangamite councillors recognised by the MAV for their service to local government, including Gnotuk Ward Councillor Ruth Gstrein, who received a 20 Years' Service Award in 2023 and a Mayor Emeritus Award in 2009.
Cr Beard said she remained grateful for the opportunity to represent the community.
"It has been an honour to serve the Corangamite community for the past 15 years, and I remain grateful for the trust that has been placed in me throughout that journey."