Long-time councillor and three-time mayor Sophie Ramsey will again don the robes and chain of Melton council’s top role.
The Coburn ward councillor beat Lara Carli, 5-4, to claim the mayoralty at last week’s statutory meeting. Fellow Coburn ward councillor Bob Turner will serve as Cr Ramsey’s deputy.
Councillors also voted for one-year terms for mayors and deputies. The mayoral allowance has been set at $101,104 per year, and the councillor allowance at $31,653.
In her acceptance speech, Cr Ramsey said she is looking forward to the next 12 months working with the community.
“This team of councillors will work very closely with our administration to make sure we deliver everything we possibly can to keep up with the growth,” she said. “Family, friends, community, all of you – thank you. Let’s get the next four years on the road.”
Cr Ramsey said representing the community of Melton was “humbling and a privilege”, and she said she’s grateful for community support.
Meanwhile, East Moorabool ward’s David Edwards was crowned Moorabool mayor unopposed. Tonia Dudzik will serve as his deputy after beating John Keogh, 5-2.
The mayoral and deputy mayoral terms have been set at one year. The councillor allowance will be $24,127 and the mayoral allowance $74,654.
In his acceptance speech, Cr Edwards said councillors needed to work together, and with state and federal governments, to create opportunities for smaller towns, to ensure Bacchus Marsh and Ballan’s “rapid growth” is better managed, and to maintain the shire’s “character” and create employment.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow councillors for the trust and confidence that they have shown in me, to allow me to represent them over the next 12 months,” Cr Edwards said.
“I have learnt much over the last four years from the previous mayors [Pat] Toohey, [Paul] Tatchell and [Allan] Comrie, all of whom have had different styles and different strengths.
“Whilst I will have my own style and will grow into the job, I will build on the experience provided by the previous mayors and my fellow councillors.”
