At the official opening of the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens Day Basin, Councillor Tony Clark invited attendees to close their eyes and embrace the environment. “Embrace the true beauty, not just the visual beauty, but the true beauty that this new area has to offer,” he urged. “Hear the birds, the wind through the trees — it’s not just about how things look but all the other senses involved as well.” This unique perspective is one that Cr Clark hopes to bring to his new role as mayor of Hepburn Shire Council.
Legally blind since the age of 20, Cr Clark, now 56, made history in November 2025 as the first person with a disability to be elected mayor in Hepburn Shire. “I’m sure there are some people out there wondering how you can do the job of mayor when you’re blind,” he acknowledged. “At the end of the day, we are all a prisoner of our own personal experiences and I think people fear difference.”
Cr Clark believes his lived experience with disability will “change how we do things and think about things” for the better. “Making our services, particularly in places like government and local council, accessible … actually improves it for everybody and that’s what we’re here for — making a better quality of life for everybody,” he said.
Adapting to the Role
While the responsibilities of a mayor remain unchanged, Cr Clark’s approach is innovative, employing assistive tools to navigate his vision impairment. “I use adaptive technology [such as] a program called JAWS which actually reads out everything that I need to access and puts it into audio form, and I listen to it at 450 words a minute,” he explained, noting that typical speed readers reach about 350 words per minute.
His workplace has also adapted, providing specialised training on accessible presentation formats and accommodating his guide dog, Timmy. Hepburn Shire CEO Bradley Thomas remarked that some adjustments were straightforward, while others were more complex. “I certainly don’t think we’ve got it 100 per cent perfect,” Mr. Thomas admitted, but he praised Cr Clark as a valuable asset to both the workplace and the community.
“Tony, in terms of his disability or impairment and being blind, has also brought a really great focus on us as an organisation around some of our inclusive behaviours,” Mr. Thomas said. “It does give you a really clear reminder that people of all abilities can [drive] themselves to do these great roles.”
Inspiring Future Leaders
Cr Clark hopes his story will inspire future generations of disabled leaders. “That lived experience brings immense value,” he stated. “One of the key things I’ve harnessed throughout my life is my lived experience because it has to be that philosophy of ‘we need to focus on what we can do, not what we can’t do’.”
This message resonates in a broader context as societies worldwide strive for inclusivity. The appointment of leaders like Cr Clark not only breaks barriers but also challenges preconceived notions about disability and leadership. His tenure as mayor could set a precedent for other local governments, encouraging them to embrace diversity in leadership roles.
Looking Forward
The implications of Cr Clark’s leadership extend beyond Hepburn Shire. His approach could influence policy changes and inspire other councils to implement more inclusive practices. As he continues to serve, his focus remains on enhancing accessibility and quality of life for all residents.
As communities observe Cr Clark’s progress, his leadership may well become a case study in the power of inclusive governance. The hope is that his success will pave the way for more disabled individuals to pursue leadership positions, ultimately enriching the fabric of public service with diverse perspectives.
Cr Clark’s journey as mayor is just beginning, but his impact is already being felt. As he continues to break new ground, he remains committed to his vision of a more inclusive and accessible society for all.
