Peter CoxOAM | |
---|---|
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 |
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.
Political career
Cox 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.
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. 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.
Reference
- "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.