Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister has been elected as Mayor of the Yarra Ranges for the second time at Council’s 17 November meeting.
Cr McAllister was unanimously elected as Mayor by her fellow Councillors, in what will be her ninth year as a Councillor at Yarra Ranges.
Cr McAllister said she was humbled and greatly appreciative to be stepping into the Mayor’s chair again, a position she last held in 2013/14.
“No matter how long you’ve been on Council, this is always a very auspicious occasion to be elected to the role of Mayor,” Cr McAllister said.
“In the midst of this challenging year, we need to have our Council Plan echoing the most important things for the community, and we need to ensure our budget and long term financial plan are completely focused on ensuring our community rebuilds and thrives.
“I promise to never lose focus on putting community first, and to work hard for what we are all incredibly passionate about, Yarra Ranges.”
Cr McAllister also spoke glowingly of Cr Richard Higgins, who served as Mayor in 2019/20.
“Cr Higgins will always be remembered as the Mayor in the year that we’ll never forget,” Cr McAllister said.
“He was a very real mayor who had to work in virtual ways, and I thank him for all he did in such difficult circumstances due to the pandemic.
“I thank the outgoing council, and welcome our great new council. I look forward to working with the other Councillors to address the priorities within each of our wards.”
Chandler Ward Councillor, David Eastham, was elected to the role of Deputy Mayor.
“I do not take this responsibility of Deputy Mayor lightly, and I very much look forward to supporting the Mayor over the next year,” Cr Eastham said.
“I believe I have a lot of skills through experience in working in community development and engagement, to ensure that we deliver what’s important to the community.
“I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors over the next four years.”
