Surf Coast Shire Council has elected Cr Libby Stapleton as Mayor for the second year of its four-year term.
Cr Tony Phelps was elected as Deputy Mayor for the same 12-month period.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were elected at a special Council meeting on Tuesday 18 November.
Mayor Stapleton said she felt so proud to lead the Council for a third time.
"I'm excited to take on this role and work hard with my fellow councillors to get the best outcomes for our community," she said.
"It's an absolute privilege and opportunity to affect positive change and influence decision making that impacts all of us now and for future generations, which I take very seriously."
"We have a great community to work with and I'm keen to develop effective and positive relationships, with a focus on strong governance while advocating for the needs of our community," she said.
Mayor Stapleton said she looked forward to working to deliver some key projects, including construction on the Karaaf Wetlands stormwater diversion project, affordable housing in coastal communities, achieving Eco-Destination tourism accreditation and key recreation community assets including the new hockey pitch and Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Torquay.
She thanked the community, her fellow councillors and outgoing Mayor Cr Mike Bodsworth for his "steady and considered leadership" and hard work over the past 12 months in leading the newly formed Council.
Cr Phelps said he was honoured to be elected as Deputy Mayor.
"We have a fabulous mix of councillors who bring diverse perspectives, and I look forward to working together," he said.
"Next year is going to be a big year for us. We have a newly adopted Council Plan which will help guide the next four years, plus some key projects like the Anglesea Community Plan, which is community driven, and the Winchelsea Structure Plan."
