Cr Kate Makin will serve a third consecutive term as Mayor of Corangamite Shire, pledging to keep rural voices strong and community priorities front and centre.
Councillors re-elected Cr Makin as Mayor at the November meeting on Tuesday, 25 November.
Cr Laurie Hickey has also been re-elected for a third term as Deputy Mayor.
They will serve in their positions until November 2026.
Cr Makin said it had been an honour and privilege to serve as Mayor for the past two years, and she felt she had more to give to Council and the community in the year ahead.
"I believe it is vital that our rural voices continue to be heard – clearly, consistently, and confidently," she said.
"I have made real progress in ensuring Corangamite's needs aren't overlooked, and I want to keep building on that momentum."
Cr Makin said she was looking to strengthen Council's position and advocate strongly for the community heading towards a State Election in November 2026.
"Strong, steady leadership will help ensure that our priorities – from agriculture and drought support to roads, housing, childcare and cost-of-living pressures – remain front and centre," she said.
Cr Hickey said he had enjoyed the role of Deputy Mayor over the past 12 months and looked forward to continuing in the role.
"As a Deputy I will continue to learn, I will continue to build relationships, I will show up every time and on time, I will continue to bring people together, and I will continue to listen," he said.
"I think we have provided strong leadership, but more than that, we are stronger for the community by having sound leadership, and I think that is something that is essential to Corangamite Shire."
Chief Executive Officer David Rae congratulated Cr Makin and Cr Hickey on their re-election, heading into the second year of the Council term.
"I want to thank Cr Makin for her continued leadership and Cr Hickey for his service during a busy time over the past year," Mr Rae said.
"We have a strong, collaborative group of councillors who work together to achieve the best outcomes for our community. That unity is one of our greatest strengths as we move forward," he said.
"Council remains focused on delivering on the priorities that matter most to our residents – improving local roads, supporting housing development, expanding childcare options, growing our economy and protecting our iconic landscapes."
The next scheduled Meeting of Council will be on Tuesday 16 December, at the Killara Centre in Camperdown, and will be live streamed on our website and Facebook page.
