Cr Justine Hide has been elected as mayor of Northern Grampians Shire for the 2026/27 term after serving two years as deputy mayor.
Cr Hide takes the reins from Cr Karen Hyslop, who decided not to stand for re-election as mayor following two terms in the top role.
Cr Hide was elected unopposed at a statutory meeting in Stawell on Tuesday night.
Councillors decided not to appoint a deputy for the 2026/27 term.
Cr Hide, who was elected to council for the first time in November 2024, said she was excited to step into the role.
"I certainly didn't campaign for council with my sights set on the mayoral chair, however, from day one, I realised just how much I enjoyed the role," she said.
"There's something incredibly rewarding about helping shape the future of the place we call home. And it turns out, I quite enjoy reading council reports too - although I never imagined I'd say that.
"For me, leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, asking the right questions and having the courage to make decisions that serve our community, not just for today but importantly, for our future generations."
As a mother of primary and secondary school-aged children, a small business operator and someone close to the median age of the shire's approximately 12,000 residents, Cr Hide believes her experiences offer valuable perspective on everyday challenges.
"Like so many people, I'm juggling family, work, community commitments and trying to fit everything else into the hours available. I understand the everyday life pressures," she said.
"Of course, that doesn't mean I understand everyone's circumstances, which is exactly why listening matters.
"One of the things I value most about our current council is that all six councillors bring different backgrounds, experiences and ideas to the table.
"We do not always agree - and quite frankly, it would be a pretty boring council if we did - but I love that diversity and believe it makes us stronger.
"We're fortunate to live in a region filled with passionate, resourceful people. Our volunteers, farmers, businesses, health workers, sporting clubs and community organisations are the backbone of our towns, often quietly getting things done without expecting recognition; I have enormous respect for that."
While acknowledging challenges including financial pressures, housing, ageing infrastructure, environmental change, and possible large scale project development, Cr Hide said she remained optimistic.
"These challenges won't disappear overnight, and there certainly isn't a magic money tree hiding in the council budget… believe me, I've looked," she said.
"Local government is the level of government closest to the people. We see firsthand what works, what doesn't and where support is needed. It's our responsibility to ensure those voices are heard at state and federal levels.
"But council can't do everything alone. Strong partnerships with government, businesses, community organisations and residents are essential to achieving lasting outcomes."
Cr Hide thanked her fellow councillors for their confidence in her and acknowledged the dedication of council's CEO, directors and staff.
"Being elected mayor is an incredible privilege, one I don't take lightly," she said.
"I'm fortunate to work alongside people who bring enormous knowledge, experience and commitment to serving our communities."
Cr Hide also paid tribute to outgoing mayor, Cr Hyslop.
"I sincerely thank Cr Hyslop for the massive effort she's put into the role over the past two years. She's given it 100 percent, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside and learnt from her," she said.
Looking ahead, Cr Hide said she was excited about the shire's future.
"We live in a remarkable part of Victoria, with extraordinary landscapes, strong agricultural and tourism industries, innovative businesses and communities full of people who genuinely care," she said.
"I want to see a shire where people feel connected and heard, businesses have confidence to invest, young people see opportunities for their future and our towns remain places people are proud to call home.
"If someone told me two years ago I'd be standing here saying how much I love local government, I definitely would have laughed. Yet, here I am - and I couldn't be more enthusiastic about what lies ahead."
