Councillor Kathy Majdlik’s term as mayor of Melton council will come to an end next week. She spoke with Michaela Meade about serving her community, and some mayoral highlights.
Why did you become involved with council?
In 2008, I first became elected – so that’s quite a few years now. Everyone knows, I have a daughter with a disability, who is also non-verbal. Because of that, I’ve always had a passion for speaking up, and I’m the person people come to with [issues]. I always have been, in my family, even though I’m the youngest. It’s the same thing on council, but now my family is 180,000 people.
I’ve always had a passion for leading, butI don’t see my role as mayor as a boss role. It’s a humbling role; I’m there to serve my fellow councillors. My fellow councillors have put their trust in me, third time round, which is very humbling. They’re a great group of councillors, their heart is with the community. It’s been lovely to serve them as mayor.
– What has been your favourite part of acting as mayor for Melton?
I’ve served as mayor three separate times; in 2015, 2017, and now 2020-21
The role of serving my fellow councillors is probably the most outstanding for me. Even the mentoring aspect – we have three new councillors. I hope I’ve been able to be a good mentor for them. They’ve picked up the role very quickly, [and] as a whole, they fit very well with the new council. Being able to mentor them, and being able to work with a passionate group that want to serve their community… that’s the biggest thing that I’ve gotten out of this mayoral term.
We’re just a small snippet of what’s to come in the future. The growth here [in Melton] is amazing.
It’s always been an honour and a privilege to be elected to council, but to be elected as mayor as well is incredible.
– What made this term special?
Despite the pandemic, council as a whole has been able to achieve so much for the community.
The first year of any term is always filled with opportunities and challenges – there’s a lot of legislation, documents that we need to plan for. Having that first term really solidifies what we’re going to be able to achieve.
Being able to set that culture within a new group of councillors [as mayor], and making sure we’re in the right place… was fantastic. [It will] hold us in good stead for the next three years.
– What are some highlights from your time as mayor?
There have been many highlights during the 12 months I’ve been mayor.
Securing the funding from the government for the Melton Hospital
It was not only me but fellow councillors, past and present, and community members before that, campaigning for it. To be able to secure the funding was amazing.
Another highlight that’s very near and dear to my heart was being successful in stopping the toxic soil from being placed at Ravenhall. It was a big win for our residents, who have done it [Another highlight was] this year’s budget… has included our highest value capital works budget ever. It’s a much-needed investment for our fast growing community.
– What are you hoping your successor carries on?
I feel I’ve worked very hard and dedicated all my time for the last 12 months, to set the culture and the standard for the rest of the term. I hope that the new mayor, and I’m sure they will, take that banner and continue in that way. I’m glad I was able to set that bar. We need to advocate for our community and I’m confident that the new mayor will do that.
