By Jesse Graham
STREETON Ward councillor Noel Cliff has been elected as Yarra Ranges Council’s mayor for the coming year, with Walling Ward councillor Len Cox as his deputy.
The pair were elected to the top roles on Tuesday 8 November, one week after the formal announcement of the council election results.
Cr Cliff received six votes from his fellow councillors for the role, running against Lyster Ward councillor Mike Clarke.
Cr Cox nominated Cr Cliff for the role, and said he had “the integrity that’s needed” for the job.
“Certainly, Cr Cliff is full of that, and he actually works so well with the community,” he said.
“I think that, when he walks into a room … people are just happy to see him come in, and that’s such a good sight to see with a potential mayor.”
Cr Cliff said it would be “really cool” to be elected as mayor, that he would represent the nine councillors and speak on their behalf.
Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister nominated Cr Clarke as a mayoral candidate and said he had the “commitment and presence” and a “whole of municipality and community focus”, among other qualities.
“I’ve seen and I know there will be many who share those views,” she said.
“We’ve got two great candidates tonight to choose from, and it really is a decision about your leader among leaders, who will lead us for the next 12 months.”
Cr Clarke said that, if elected, he would act with “leadership, teamwork, fairness and respect, negotiation and good governance” during the one-year term.
“I believe leadership is empowering other leaders around me,” he said.
“It’s certainly my aspiration to help you councillors get the best you can, out of your needs and your community.”
When it came to the vote, councillors Cliff, Cox, Terry Avery, Richard Higgins, Jim Child and Tim Heenan voted for Cr Cliff, while councillors Clarke, McAllister and Tony Stevenson voted for Cr Clarke, with Cr Cliff being elected.
Cr Cox was then elected unopposed to the deputy mayor role.
Cr Cliff said his election was a “very humbling experience”, and thanked his wife, Sue, for her help with his election campaign, and the councillors for their vote.
“Fellow councillors, those who supported me, thank you very much,” he said.
“Well done, Mike – congratulations, too, mate – we’re a team here.
“Let me tell you, right from this instant, I’m just listening and conveying what you want me to convey, simple as that – I’m just speaking for all of you.”
He then paid tribute to former-mayor and councillor, Jason Callanan, who was struck down with illness before registration day, and did not seek re-election.
“It’s something you wouldn’t wish on anyone, and he was doing a hell of a good job,” Cr Cliff said, adding that he and the council wished Mr Callanan a speedy recovery.
The councillors then wound up the meeting, with Crs Cliff and Cox celebrating their victory with family members and friends who had filled the public gallery.
Each of the nine councillors made their oath of office at the meeting, prior to the mayoral election.
The mayor and deputy mayor will serve until the next mayoral election in late 2017.
