Faith Macale
“It’s about time”. That was the sentiment from some of Melton councillor Steve Abboushi’s colleagues as he was elected mayor on Thursday night.
Cr Abboushi has served as deputy mayor twice – 2019-20 and 2023-24 – but has never put his hand up for the top job because he had a young family.
“I’ve been encouraged over the years to be mayor, but the timing wasn’t right for my family,” he said.
“Now is the time, I suppose. My kids are a little bit older and they understand the sacrifices of being there.
“They’re coming along on the journey with me, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Cr Abboushi said the biggest challenge the new council will face in the next 12 months would be keeping up with infrastructure.
“It’s going to be about making sure that when we’re doing infrastructure projects, our community understands that we need to do this work, and there will be inconveniences along the way,” he said.
“The outcome at the end when the infrastructure is delivered is going to be much better and it’s going to be able to cater for our growing population.”
He also spoke about working with the municipality’s youth.
“Personally and more importantly, I’m looking forward to empowering the young people in the City of Melton to work hard and be productive members of the community, and to achieve the dreams that they’re hoping for,” he said.
Cr Abboushi said there was a “good team” of councillors.
“We’ve got some very experienced, seasoned councillors who form the majority of the new council, and then we’ve got a couple new councillors who I’m looking forward to hearing some new ideas, fresh vision, and a new perspective,” he said.
“I think it’s a great balance in wisdom from the councillors who have done it before and been around a while, and some new dynamic councillors to bring a new approach.”
Cr Lara Carli was elected as deputy mayor.
Cr Ashleigh Vanderberg self-nominated for the position of mayor and deputy mayor.
Despite the big challenge ahead, Cr Abboushi said they have a good team of councillors ready to work together towards it.
“We’ve got some very experienced, seasoned councillors who form the majority of the new council, and then we’ve got a couple new councillors who I’m looking forward to hearing some new ideas, fresh vision, and a new perspective,” he said.
“I think it’s a great balance in wisdom from the councillors who have done it before and been around a while, and some new dynamic councillors to bring a new approach.”
