Sarah Oliver
Councillor Goran Kesic has been elected as Melton’s new mayor for 2021-22.
Cr Kesic was sworn into the position at a council meeting last night, where he also made a speech as outgoing deputy mayor.
Cr Kesic thanked his fellow council members and outgoing mayor Kathy Majdlik, saying it was “an unusual year” but that it was “great” working with them.
Reflecting on Cr Majdlik’s term, he said “you are leaving big shoes to fill, but they are pointed in the right direction”.
After accepting his appointment as mayor, Cr Kesic said he is “truly honoured to be elected”.
“This is something I will not take for granted”, he said.
“The position of mayor holds a special place in the hearts and minds of so many in this city. It’s not about the person that wears the chain, it is the people you represent and the deep history that goes along with it.”
Cr Kesic said while it’s important to “modernise and progress” as a council, it’s also important to “protect the history and traditions that have been upheld” by the many mayors before him.
“Thanks once again to everyone for their support to date and I look forward to working with you all as we work collectively for a better future for the people of our municipality.”
Filling Cr Kesic’s shoes will be third term councillor Lara Carli who said it is an “honour to be elected as deputy mayor for our wonderful and vibrant city for the next 12 months”.
Every councillor offered their congratulations to both the mayor and deputy mayor, as well as reflecting on Cr Majdlik’s term as mayor for 2020-21.
