On September 21, Cr Andrews took the Oath of Office to represent the Lake Nagambie Ward after the recent resignation of Melanie Likos resulted in his eligibility on a countback by the Victorian Electoral Commission.
Cr Andrews said he was pleased to accept the vacancy and wished Ms Likos all the best.
"I nominated for Council because I think it is important not to sit back in your armchair and complain about things, you have to keep active and get involved in your community," Cr Andrews said.
"Also, in my capacity as a resident I was pleased with the efficiency and positivity of Council staff in actioning my issues."
Cr Andrews said people wanted to know their rates were well spent, improving everyday life for residents, and attracting visitors to the Shire.
"I am not an activist, I don't have an agenda − I am an advocate for the people," he said.
"I have a few ideas that have been put to me by the community. I am keen for people to have facilities that are comfortable, to have outdoor activity spaces that give healthy family time and 'me time' for individuals."
Cr Andrews said he was told by locals before last year's election that he would enjoy the experience of running for Council - and he did.
He also did a lot of walking across three days, hand delivering campaign fliers because he "was slow off the mark" to meet the postage deadline.
"I got sore feet, but I met a lot of lovely people and that was really encouraging," Cr Andrews said.
That is not to say Cr Andrews, 63, is short on fitness - he and wife Suzan are medal-winning masters rowers who moved to Nagambie in 2017.
Following Cr Andrews' retirement from a 36-year career with Victoria Police in metropolitan Melbourne, the Andrews were attracted to Strathbogie Shire's lifestyle and Lake Nagambie's premier rowing and canoeing course.
As well as operational policing, Cr Andrews spent a lot of his career as a trainer at the Victorian Police Academy.
He spent his first year in Nagambie "pulling beers at the pub", and the second year as a Gamblers Help trainer, teaching responsible of gambling service to bar staff in gambling venues within the region.
Cr Andrews, now retired, has also been a regular contributor to Go Nagambie's Community Voice, writing gardening columns and rowing articles.
A father of one, he has three grandchildren and is a hobby picture framer who also enjoys framing military and sports medals.
"I have framed my grandfather's war medals, amongst many others. I enjoy them as they 'mean something' to the families and will keep memories alive," he said.
As a new Councillor in the second year of COVID-19 restrictions, Cr Andrews is committed to helping the Shire continue navigating the pandemic and building a prosperous future.
He joins Cr Reg Dickinson as the two representatives to the Lake Nagambie Ward.
