Councillor Kathy Majdlik is the new Melton mayor.
Cr Majdlik is no stranger to the position. She is currently serving her fourth term as Cambridge ward councillor, and is now also serving her fourth term as mayor, having also been mayor in 2012-13, 2015-16 and 2020-21.
She was elected at a special meeting on 2 November. Amid cheers from the sidelines of the council chamber from her daughter, Cr Majdlik said she was honoured and privileged to be elected mayor for the fourth time.
“This is Australia’s fastest-growing municipality and with that comes challenges and massive opportunity,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to grasping those opportunities and working hard to make the City of Melton a community where families want to set up home and thrive.
“It is the people that live in our city that make our community so great, and inspire me to work tirelessly to help deliver the services and facilities that meet our community’s aspirations.
“I am committed to ensuring council continues to work in partnership with the state and federal governments to secure more investment in our community to build on the strong investment already underway.”
Councillor Steve Abboushi was elected deputy mayor, replacing councillor Julie Shannon. It is Cr Abboushi’s second time in the role having previously served in 2019-20.
He said the election was a deep honour and a privilege.
“I’m profoundly humbled by your trust and support in granting me this responsibility,” he said.
“I’m fully aware of the significant challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in our city. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the residents of the city who have placed their faith in me as councillor in this last term.
“Your belief in my ability to serve this community means the world to me and I promise to continue to work tirelessly in my final 12 months in office.”
Cr Majdlik thanked outgoing mayor Lara Carli for her work.
Cr Carli thanked fellow councillors for their support, loyalty and trust.
“Serving as mayor of Australia’s fastest growing municipality has been an honour and a privilege,” she said.
“At times it has been challenging, but it has also been a very rewarding experience and I’m so proud to see us all work together to create a safe, accessible and vibrant community as it continues to grow.”
