By JESSE GRAHAM
THE Yarra Ranges has a new leadership team and, for the first time in its 19-year history, both the top roles have been awarded to women.
A special mayoral election was held last night at the Yarra Ranges Council chambers in Lilydale, which saw Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister pitted against Lyster Ward Councillor Samantha Dunn for the role of mayor.
Walling Ward’s Cr Len Cox, who nominated Cr Dunn, spoke on the importance of the election before the matter was put to a vote by the councillors.
“The mayor leads the council and is a servant of the council in many ways – the council is very, very much, to a great degree, judged by the way the mayor talks and behaves,” he said.
“They’re not just a councillor for one ward – they’re a councillor for nine wards and it is, to me, a very important and really great job.”
He said that the incoming mayor would have to have a “good brain”, the ability to talk to people, understand the workings of council and have a “fair degree” of experience in local government – according to Cr Cox, Cr Dunn “ticks all those boxes”.
However, it was Cr McAllister who prevailed, being elected mayor in a five-to-four vote.
Billanook Ward’s Cr Maria McCarthy was nominated and elected unopposed to the role of deputy mayor, marking the first time that two women have taken the roles at the same time.
Cr McAllister said she appreciated the honour and the opportunity of being elected mayor and that she was not stepping into the role lightly.
“I’m stepping in with a fairly strong body of knowledge,” she said.
“I will continue to appreciate the support and guidance from my councillors … and will certainly make sure I am an inclusive, open and good representative of the Yarra Ranges Council over the coming 12 months.”
The role was previously held by O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child.
Cr McAllister thanked the outgoing mayor for his work in the previous year and Cr McCarthy said she was looking forward to working with Cr McAllister over the next year.
For the full story, read next week’s Mail.
