Family time beckons for retiring Mayor Brenton Lewis

After eight years in the job, Murray Bridge’s mayor has been farewelled at a modest function at the Bridgeport Hotel.

Family time beckons for retiring Mayor Brenton Lewis

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Kathy, Kelly, Bianca and Brenton Lewis come together at the mayor’s retirement bash on Monday. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

After eight years, Brenton Lewis is ready to hand over the reins.

Murray Bridge’s outgoing mayor was farewelled at the Bridgeport Hotel on Monday night.

Hundreds could well have joined the well-wishers, but the man of the hour opted for a more modest celebration.

Current councillors and staff made up most of the 30 or so attendees, though a surprise guest was among them.

His daughter Kelly appeared via a video link from the United Kingdom, joining his wife Kathy and their daughter Bianca, who were there in person.

Federal MP Tony Pasin, state MP Adrian Pederick, SA Police Superintendent Scott Denny and council CEO Michael Sedgman all offered congratulations.

Mr Lewis said he had enjoyed every part of his career’s journey.

“I’ve never had a job in my life I haven’t loved,” he said.

“I’ve been so fortunate.”

He thanked councillors, Mr Sedgman and his staff for their support over the years: “Whatever success has been talked about here this evening, it’s your success”.

It has been a big eight years

The Murray Bridge council’s accomplishments during Mr Lewis’ two mayoral terms have been many.

Mr Sedgman reflected on a few of them on Monday night:

“I am sure that you would all agree that the Rural City of Murray Bridge council and Murray Bridge council area has benefited from Brenton’s leadership over the past eight years, and that the council that Brenton leaves this week is in a significantly improved state compared to that that he joined eight years ago,” Mr Sedgman said.

Mr Lewis enjoyed a long and successful career in agribusiness, and a spell as the chief executive of Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland, prior to his election in 2014.