Cr Jessica Mitchell is the new mayor of Campaspe Shire.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Councillor Jessica Mitchell will be Campaspe Shire’s third mayor in as many years, with Cr Daniel Mackrell to serve as her deputy, after the pair were elected at an unscheduled meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
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Cr Mitchell will serve a one-year term as mayor, with the council unanimously deciding on the term length before opening the floor for candidate nominations.
Crs Mackrell and Rob Amos nominated Crs Mitchell and Tony Marwood respectively.
“I’ve given this decision considerable thought because I recognise the role of mayor is both a privilege and a significant responsibility,” Cr Mitchell said.
“It requires commitment, availability, sound judgement, and above all, a genuine willingness to work collaboratively with every councillor for the benefit of the community.”
Cr Mitchell spoke of her personal and professional experiences and how they had helped prepare her for the challenge of leading council.
She finished her speech with comments on the importance of female leadership, saying it was crucial leadership opportunities were available, different perspectives were represented, and future generations could see positions were open to them.
“There’s a saying which is particularly relevant here,” she said.
“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”
Cr Marwood’s pitch focused on his local government experience and how he believed it would help him be the best person to guide council through the process of appointing and working with a new permanent chief executive.
After both candidates delivered their speeches, an open vote was held, with six councillors voting for Cr Mitchell and three for Cr Marwood.
Cr Mitchell’s first item of business was chairing the deputy mayoral election, with outgoing mayor Cr Mackrell nominated and winning the contest unopposed.
Cr Daniel Mackrell will serve as Cr Mitchell’s deputy, an arrangement which is the inverse of the first year of this council’s term, when Cr Mackrell held the top job with Cr Mitchell as deputy.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
“It’s been a privilege to be the mayor for the past two years,” he said.
“It’s been one of my favourite experiences on council.
“It’s an honour not just to serve our community, but to do things you never would have expected to.”
Campaspe Shire Council’s next meeting is November 17.
