Hobsons Bay City Council has elected Cr Peter Hemphill as Mayor for the coming year. It will be Cr Hemphill's third term as Mayor.
Also elected last night was Deputy Mayor Cr Diana Grima, who is representing the Wetlands Ward in her first term on Council.
Cr Hemphill, who has served 22 years as a Hobsons Bay Councillor, will reveal his Mayoral priorities at a future Council meeting but has already indicated a desire to support the work on the Virtual Power Project and the Urban Forest Strategy.
History, maritime and local sporting opportunities have also been strong interests of Cr Hemphill, as well as the environment and urban planning.
Cr Hemphill paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Cr Jonathon Marsden and praised his calmness and strong leadership during a challenging year.
Cr Grima said she was honoured to be named Deputy Mayor and was commended by her Council colleagues for her integrity and dedication to social justice issues.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Peter Hemphill
"I would like to thank my Councillor colleagues for their trust and support. I am honoured to hold the office of Mayor and will serve my community as I have for more than 20 years – with pride and a willingness to make Hobsons Bay the best it can be.
"My children have only known me as a dad and Councillor – all of their memories are of me on Council. My wife and family have always been such strong supporters of me and my work on Council.
"The year ahead presents many great opportunities. As a city we are beginning to emerge and rebuild from COVID and I want to ensure Council does all it can to boost business and community spirit in the COVID recovery.
"We have so much to look forward to, with capital works projects coming to fruition, reimagined services and big visions across our suburbs – I am excited for what is in store."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Diana Grima
"I watched my father serve the community when I was a little girl and I am honoured to hold the office of Deputy Mayor as he did back in 2012. I will continue to serve Hobsons Bay with passion, authenticity and dedication and am privileged to represent the people of the Wetlands Ward as Councillor and the broader municipality as now Deputy Mayor. I look forward to the year ahead."
