Paynesville's Jodie Ashworth has been elected Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council.
First elected as Councillor in 2024, Cr Ashworth brings experience in small business, tourism, maritime operations, financial counselling, conciliation or dispute resolution, and volunteerism to the role.
In 2023, Cr Ashworth was awarded a scholarship to the Women Leading Locally program, an initiative of the Victorian Government to increase the representation of women councillors and mayors in Victoria. Cr Ashworth has also completed a certificate in Community Leadership and Governance (Local Government).
"Being elected Mayor of East Gippsland is a privilege, and I accept this role with determination and a clear commitment to serve our community. I am honoured by the trust my fellow Councillors have placed in me," Cr Ashworth said.
"I am proud to call East Gippsland home. I have raised my family here, built businesses here, and worked alongside people through some of the toughest moments in our region's history."
Cr Tom Crook was elected Deputy Mayor. Cr Crook has been a Councillor since 2020 and served as Mayor in 2023-24 (the final year of the previous Council).
Cr Ashworth congratulated Cr Crook on his appointment, and thanked the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Crs John White and Sonia Buckley, for their service over the past 12 months.
"I am committed to a term of strong governance, respectful behaviour, transparency and informed decision-making that aligns with community priorities as reflected in the Council Plan," Cr Ashworth said.
"I will lead with honesty, integrity, courage and independence. I believe I can bring people together, focus on solutions, and lead with fairness and a clear vision for our shire. We may come from different backgrounds and see issues differently, but our diverse knowledge, skills and experience is what makes this Council group strong.
"We must make decisions not just for the next budget cycle, but for the next generation. My commitment is to plan strategically for a financially sustainable, future-focused East Gippsland that is positioned strongly for decades to come."
Both Crs Ashworth and Crook thanked their fellow councillors for the confidence placed in them and expressed their commitment to working collaboratively, as a team, to represent the region.
Council CEO Fiona Weigall congratulated Crs Ashworth and Crook on their appointments and thanked Crs White and Buckley for their contribution.
"Our team looks forward to working with our new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and the wider Council to achieve the best outcomes for our community. I wish you every success in your term of office."
