Peter Morrell: Councillor departs Shire of Woodanilling after 29 years of service

Former Shire of Woodanilling councillor Peter Morrell has stepped away from his seat after serving 29 years in the shire. The local farmer’s career as a councillor began in 1994. After nearly 30 years dedicated to the shire, a lot has changed in the small Great Southern town. Reflecting on his career on the council, Mr Morrell said he can walk away a happy man knowing he gave everything he could to the role. “I felt like I wasn’t contributing as much as I should be but I can look back now and know I contributed as much as I could with the time I had,” Mr Morrell said. “But I enjoyed nearly every minute of it although there were parts that were frustrating. “But generally, it‘s been an absolute joy.” Although he loved his time in the chair, after nearly three decades a “tired” Mr Morrell was ready to enter a new chapter in his life. “I’m semi-retired and looking to do other things,” he said. “I’ve just done 29 years, I’m just worn out. “It’s really just time for me to step aside and let some fresh people in there.” “We’ve got a bit of travelling to do and the kids growing up so we’ve just got other things now we’re looking forward to doing and just relaxing. “I’ll still keep an eye on what’s happening and stay interested.” The Beaufort River farmer was approached by a departing local member to take on the role and initially had no intention of staying for the time he did. “A retiring councillor told me I’d be good at it so I originally went on for a two-year term and then maybe someone else can step in after. “I had a farm in the shire but didn’t go to town go to Woody at all much, so it was really new. “If you told me I was going to be there for 29 years, I’d have said no. “But it was really enjoyable so they couldn’t get rid of me.” The former councillor has fond memories of numerous projects he helped oversee. “Grassing the town oval was a really good one because it didn’t have any irrigation at the time and it was a huge community effort,” he said. “It’s comforting looking at it as one of the best grass ovals in the area. “And now just seeing the cricket and hockey there is great. “Also assisting with the build of the recreation centre and several houses has been a highlight and on top of that, maintaining the roads around the area.” Mr Morrell said the community’s connectedness was a huge driving force behind their success and something he cherishes. “Everyone helps out and does a little bit each which is what makes it such a good little community. “I have done my bit and now someone else will come in and do their bit.” The 61-year-old has experienced a shift in the area’s primary commodity, which has provided some challenges throughout his tenure. “I’ve seen the region shift from a sheep district to becoming more of a grain district, so there’s more trucks carrying tonnes of product,” he said. “So the roads have required a lot of work but it’s always a challenge to make the money go around. “It has really been a constant battle to keep the roads up to scratch with limited amounts of money and resources.” One motto that has contributed to his success is the understanding that it’s impossible to please everyone. “You can’t please all of the people all of the time,” he said. “Some people you can never please and some you can please most of the time. “You just got to do your best and live and die by your decision.”