Held to determine council governance for the next year, Cr Daniel Mackrell was re-elected as mayor at the meeting, and Cr Tony Warwood was chosen as deputy mayor, replacing Cr Jessica Mitchell.
Crs Zoe Cook and Paul Jarman nominated Cr Mackrell to be mayor, while Crs John Zobek and Luke Sharrock nominated Cr Mitchell.
In an acceptance speech, Cr Mackrell thanked his fellow councillors for their support, and looked to the work ahead to implement the 2025-2029 Council Plan.
“The next 12 months will be extremely busy, and I know we are up to the challenge: the challenge to bring what are on those pages to life,” he said.
“By having the right people in the right place at the right time, this allows us to achieve extraordinary things.”
Who voted for the mayor candidates
For Cr Daniel Mackrell: Crs Zoe Cook, Tony Marwood, Daniel Mackrell, Paul Jarman, and Rob Amos (5).
For Cr Jessica Mitchell: Crs John Zobek, Jessica Mitchell, Adrian Weston, and Luke Sharrock (4).
Some of the main objectives outlined in the plan include upgrading the Northern and Murray Valley Hwys, improving public transport across the shire, and developing a housing strategy to support employers and workers.
Cr Mackrell described the next 12-months as an opportunity to lay the foundation for projects that would leave a lasting legacy.
For the deputy mayor position, Crs Jarman and Cook nominated Cr Marwood, while Crs Sharrock and Adran Weston nominated Cr Mitchell.
In his pitch for the role, Cr Marwood reiterated how important the coming year would be.
“There are big issues heading our way that we need to address,” he said.
“The emergency services levy, water buybacks, Rochester pool, housing, and next year’s Victorian state election will require us to be knocking on doors on Spring St.”
Who voted for the deputy mayor candidates
For Cr Tony Marwood: Crs Zoe Cook, Tony Marwood, Rob Amos, Paul Jarman, and Daniel Mackrell (5).
For Cr Jessica Mitchell: Crs Luke Sharrock, Jessica Mitchell, Adrian Weston, and John Zobek (4).
Upon winning the vote, Cr Marwood said he was eager to work with all councillors in achieving their collective goals.
Cr Mitchell congratulated both the mayor and new deputy mayor, and thanked everyone who had supported her over the past year.
“Being deputy mayor in my first term has been an honour, and I am so grateful to have had this experience,” she said.
“This result doesn’t take away from the pride I feel in what we’ve achieved together, or from my ongoing commitment to this team in my role of councillor.”
Both Cr Mackrell and Cr Marwood will serve a one-year term in their positions.
23°C