Peter Cox OAM is an Australian former politician who served as Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo from 2014 to 2015 and as a councillor from 2008 to 2016.[1]
Peter Cox | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo | |
| In office 2014–2015 | |
| Preceded by | Barry Lyons |
| Succeeded by | Rod Fyffe |
| Councilor of the City of Greater Bendigo for Whipstick Ward | |
| In office 2012–2016 | |
| Councilor of the City of Greater Bendigo for Eaglehawk Ward | |
| In office 2008–2012 | |
| Preceded by | Elaine Harrington |
| Succeeded by | Ward Abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Independent |
Political career
editCox was first elected to the council in 2008 in the Eaglehawk Ward, achieving 32.73% of the primary vote and 58.45% of the two candidate preferred vote, defeating incumbent councilor Elaine Harrington.[2]
In the 2012 election, Cox contested the Whipstick Ward after new three ward structure was introduced. He was elected with 33.71% of the vote.
Cox's career as mayor of Bendigo was significantly impacted by the controversy surrounding the approval of the city's first mosque.[3][4] The proposal, which he supported, faced strong opposition from some community members, leading to protests and public debate. This issue became a focal point of his mayoralty, and the backlash somewhat overshadowed his broader work in local government.
In 2022 Cox was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the Bendigo Community. [5][6]
Reference
edit- ^ "Past Councillors | City of Greater Bendigo". www.bendigo.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
- ^ "2008 council election results". www.vec.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
- ^ "Bendigo mosque to go ahead, VCAT rules". Middle East Forum. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
- ^ Iles, Adam Holmes and Kieran (2015-08-05). "Bendigo mosque to go ahead, VCAT rules". www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
- ^ "Central Victorians receive Australia Day honours, but for some recognition is bittersweet". ABC News. 2022-01-26. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
- ^ Magrath, Jonathon (2022-01-25). "From road safety to local politics - Australia Day honours". Bendigo Times. Retrieved 2024-11-29.