The 2022-23 Yarra Ranges Council Mayor and Deputy Mayor were elected on Tuesday night, with an experienced councillor returning to the chair and the deputy position filled by a fresh face.
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child was re-elected Mayor and Sophie Todorov, Melba Ward Councillor, was elected as Deputy Mayor for the next year.
Cr Child said he was humbled and greatly appreciative to be stepping back into the Mayor’s chair for a second term.
“I’d like to thank my fellow councillors for their unanimous support in electing me for another term for Mayor of Yarra Ranges,” Cr Child said.
“I’m extremely honoured and proud to once again be able to lead a Council that is so passionate in their collaborative approach to represent their constituents and community, but above all to protect and enhance this amazing place we call the Yarra Ranges.”
“Together in the coming year, we will be delivering more than 120 services to our community, and we’ll be delivering them with a passion and innovating on how we are able to keep costs down while still meeting the needs of more than 150,000 residents, thousands of business and countless visitors to our region.”
“I’m proud to say we’ll be able to do this while navigating the challenges of the pandemic and assisting and facilitating the storm and flood recovery.”
A previous Councillor and Shire President of Upper Yarra Shire Council in the 1980s, Cr Child has an extensive history in the region.
He said that a focus for the region over the next year will be encouraging tourism to the Yarra Ranges and support local businesses and residents.
“We’re advocating the State Government to support vital services and projects that strengthen our community, provide quality infrastructure and create local jobs for local people,” Cr Child said.
“That’s why we’re asking for the continued support of our Ridges and Rivers projects consisting of the Valley trail, Ridge Walk and Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. These projects on completion will deliver 48 million dollars a year to the local economy which is a huge boost our businesses need.”
Deputy Mayor Sophie Todorov said she looked forward to working even more closely with the community and taking on the challenges that lay ahead.
“Thank you everyone and thank you for my nomination …it means so much,” Cr Todorov said.
“I look forward to having a more visible presence across the municipality and collaborating with our traditional owners and custodians of Yarra Ranges, our residents and also our State and Federal Government representative to ensure we do make the best decision and what’s in the best interests of our community.”
