Cr Steve Stefanopoulos OAM has been elected Mayor of City of Stonnington, for the 2026-27 Council year.
He was elected unopposed by fellow Councillors at a special Council meeting on Monday 9 November 2026.
This will be his fourth term as Mayor, having previously held the role from 2017 to 2020. He is the first and only Mayor in Stonnington's history to serve for three consecutive terms.
Cr Stefanopoulos represents Wattletree Ward, and has been elected to Council three times - in 2004, 2016 and 2024.
He said his focus will be on ensuring Stonnington grows in a way that respects and preserves its heritage and delivering exceptional service for residents.
"It's a great honour to be chosen to serve as Mayor again and I thank my colleagues for entrusting me with this leadership role," said Cr Stefanopoulos.
"Stonnington is a unique place, with a rich history, distinctive neighbourhoods and a strong sense of community, and I am committed to ensuring we protect what people love about it while maintaining the high standards our community expects and deserves," he said.
"My fellow Councillors and I are custodians of Stonnington's future and it's now time to deliver the new and reviewed policies we approved under the exceptional leadership of outgoing Mayor Melina Sehr."
"That means maintaining the services and infrastructure our community expects, advocating for the qualities that make our neighbourhoods special and ensuring residents are heard on the issues that matter most to them."
"I look forward to working with residents, businesses and community organisations, alongside my fellow councillors, to ensure Stonnington continues to thrive."
Councillors also elected Cr Kate Hely unopposed as Deputy Mayor for the 2026-27 Council year. She has previously served as Mayor in 2020-2021.
Cr Hely, who represents South Yarra Ward, said it's a privilege to serve as Deputy Mayor while continuing to represent the community she cares so deeply about.
"As Stonnington continues to evolve, we need to make thoughtful decisions that balance growth with good design, strong neighbourhoods and the infrastructure our community relies on. And we owe residents clear explanations of the decisions we make on their behalf: not just what we decided, but why," said Cr Hely.
