Cambridge ward councillor Kathy Majdlik has been elected unopposed as the new mayor of Melton, with Cr Renata Cugliari as her deputy.
Cr Cugliari nominated Cr Majdlik for the role at the statutory council meeting last Tuesday. Cr Majdlik nominated Cr Cugliari for deputy mayor. They seconded each other’s nominations. There were no other nominations.
Cr Majdlik served as deputy mayor from 2008-10 before becoming mayor in 2012-13.
“I believe a great leader has the heart of a servant and I intend to lead by example and serve with integrity so this council can achieve the best outcomes for the whole community,” she said.
MELTON MAYOR KATHY MAJDLIK AND DEPUTY RENATA CUGLIARI. PICTURE: SUMEYYA ILANBEY
“We need to ensure we continue to be innovative and think outside the box in the way we deliver services and provide much-needed infrastructure for our residents.”
Outgoing mayor Cr Sophie Ramsey thanked her fellow councillors, the executive team and community groups for their “staunch” support in her year as mayor.
“The community groups, volunteers, businesses … the people have come out, supported me, come to our monthly meetings, challenged our decisions but also given us the respect to continue to work with us to make that incredible difference,” she said.
“You are the backbone of this community; you are the fabric that makes the city of Melton great.
“I can’t thank each and every one of you enough.
“I’m not going anywhere yet.”
Melton council meetings will be held on Monday nights for the next year.
New mayor at Moorabool
Meanwhile, Cr Allan Comrie will serve as Moorabool’s mayor for 2015-16 with outgoing mayor Cr Paul Tatchell as his deputy.
Cr Comrie was nominated by Cr David Edwards and seconded by councillors John Spain and Pat Toohey.
“I’d like to thank my fellow councillors,” Cr Comrie said after his election.
“It’s a real honour to be the mayor of the shire … and I really have hard shoes to follow.
“[Cr Tatchell] has done a fantastic job for Moorabool in the past two years.”
