On Thursday night Latrobe City Council elected its new Mayor and Deputy Mayor at the Mayoral Election.
Councillor Sharon Gibson was nominated as Mayor along with Councillor Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for the next twelve months.
Mayor Sharon Gibson is Councillor of Newborough Ward, she was first elected to Council in 2008 and has previously served as Mayor in 2013 and 2021 and is a tireless worker within the community, with a strong track record and understanding of community needs.
Deputy Mayor Dale Harriman is Councillor of Loy Yang Ward, and first joined Council in 2011, was previously Mayor in 2014 and 2024 and is a supporter of industry, local sporting clubs and has a wealth of experience serving the community.
Latrobe City Council Mayor Sharon Gibson was honoured to accept the role and lead Council for this Mayoral Term.
Speaking after the election, the Mayor backed in her commitment to keep building on what's already been started in Council's first year.
"We've put in the hard yards over the past 12 months and now it's time to keep going and start putting some wins on the board. We've got to do this together- our community needs it," the Mayor said.
"We all know there are tough times ahead. Our region is going through massive change as traditional industries shut down, and we're pushing to diversify Latrobe City's economy. Our goal is that we can get back to being a real powerhouse again.
"We want jobs and opportunity in this region. We need to fill the hole left by those industries closing and I'll be fighting for that from the short term right through to the long term."
Ready to roll up her sleeves, the Mayor has committed to working hard to diversify the economy, strengthen the industries we've got and bring new ones into the region.
"I'll keep knocking on the doors of the state and federal governments and I won't stop there. I'll take it to business and industry too, to push for investment and help secure jobs for the future."
Serving as the previous Mayor, Deputy Mayor Dale Harriman noted it was back to work on Monday with Council focused on delivering for the community.
"Councillors it is back to work on Monday. As we always have been, working together and continuing what we have built in the last 12 months," said the Deputy Mayor.
Latrobe City Council Chief Executive Officer Steven Piasente welcomed Mayor Sharon Gibson and Deputy Mayor Dale Harriman to their roles.
"Congratulations to Mayor Sharon Gibson and Deputy Mayor Dale Harriman for their election to each position. It is a privilege to have been selected by their colleagues, said Mr Piasente.
"I look forward to continuing to working closely with the leadership team to deliver the Council Plan that reflects the aspirations of the community."
Council will hold its final Council Meeting for the year on Monday 15 December 2025 at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon.
