Councillor Richard Higgins has been elected as mayor of the Yarra Ranges for his first term at council’s 12 November meeting.
Cr Higgins was unanimously elected as Mayor by his fellow councillors, who he thanked for voting him into the role.
“It’s been 17 years since a councillor from Chirnside Ward has been mayor, and what a great honour it is to be in this position,” Cr Higgins said.
“To my fellow councillors, thank you so much for your support. There’s a lot of work ahead of me, a lot of learning – I acknowledge that – but I look forward to it. It’s going to be a great challenge.”
Cr Higgins acknowledged the work of outgoing mayor, Chandler Ward councillor Tony Stevenson, and thanked him for his commitment and work over the last 12 months.
“For the last year, Cr Stevenson has been absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“Without a blemish, you’ve held this role for our council. Thank you so much for your efforts.”
Cr Higgins said he was looking forward to his year as Mayor, representing his urban Ward, his fellow Councillors and all of the teams at Council to the wider community and all levels of Government.
Walling Ward councillor, Len Cox, was unanimously elected to the role of deputy mayor.
“I’m very pleased to spend the next 12 months as deputy mayor,” Cr Cox said.
“It’s a great honour to be elected deputy. Council continues to do such good things in the community, and the Council is operating so well on behalf of the community that I feel very, very proud to be amongst the leadership group here.
“I would also like to congratulate Cr Stevenson, who has done a magnificent job in the last year. I have not been able to fault his performance as mayor, and he’s been a credit to the council, so congratulations.”
