Councillor Jim Grivas has been elected the new Mayor of Manningham, at the Annual Meeting of Council on Thursday 6 November.
He was unanimously chosen by his fellow Councillors to lead Manningham Council for the coming year, alongside Councillor Deirdre Diamante, who was elected as Deputy Mayor.
In his acceptance speech, the Ruffey Ward Councillor and Manningham resident of more than 25 years said it was a great privilege to serve our diverse community as Mayor.
"With this privilege comes a responsibility: as custodians of Manningham, we must ensure we leave our city stronger, more inclusive and better prepared for future generations," Cr Grivas said.
Strengthening community engagement, enhancing sustainability initiatives and supporting local business and innovation will be a focus for Cr Grivas during his second Mayoral tenure.
He returns to the role after serving as Manningham Mayor in 2013/14, and as a previous Councillor in the 2012-16 Council term.
"Our community is at the heart of everything we do - and I am looking forward to working with my fellow Councillors to leave a legacy that we all can be proud of," Cr Grivas said.
Newly elected Deputy Mayor, Cr Diamante, congratulated Cr Grivas on the appointment, and spoke of her commitment to continuing to work together to get the best outcomes for Manningham.
"I've lived in Manningham all my life, and my goal is that it will be a place that my children and grandchildren will know and love in the future," Cr Diamante said.
Manningham Council CEO Andrew Day echoed the sentiments of Council and congratulated the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on behalf of the organisation.
Councillors thanked Cr Diamante for her service as Mayor over the past year - including her commitment to supporting local businesses, residents impacted by the North East Link Project, and older adults.