Corangamite elects Mayor Makin and Deputy Mayor Hickey

Published on 29 November 2023

At its November meeting Corangamite Shire Council elected South-West Ward Councillor Kate Makin as Mayor for the coming 12 months.

Central Ward Councillor Laurie Hickey was elected Deputy Mayor.

Cr Makin thanked her fellow Councillors for their support and said she was deeply honoured and humbled.

“I see our Shire’s potential, its aspirations and its challenges.

“Today I don’t promise a miracle but a dedication to serve, to listen and to act with integrity.

“As your mayor I envisage a Council where every voice matters, where innovation thrives and where progress doesn’t leave anyone behind.

“I pledge to foster transparency,  encourage collaboration and champion initiatives that propel us towards a brighter, united future.

“Together, let’s build a community where each resident feels heard, valued and is proud to call home.

“Thank you for your trust and together let’s write the next chapter of our Shire’s success story.”

Cr Makin said she was committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of the esteemed position with dedication and passion.

She thanked outgoing mayor Ruth Gstrein for her leadership over the past three years.

“I know I have big shoes fill and I will try my hardest to fill them,” she said.

“Thanks also to Cr Geraldine Conheady for her two years in the role of Deputy Mayor.

“It’s fantastic to have such dedicated Councillors representing the community and I look forward to continuing to work with them.

“As mayor I promise to be a tireless advocate for every corner of our beautiful Shire.

“Together let’s work towards fostering a stronger, more connected community where everyone has a voice. Together, let’s make Corangamite an even better place to live work and thrive.”

Cr Hickey congratulated Cr Makin and also thanked his fellow Councillors for their support.

“I think the Deputy Mayor role within Corangamite in these next 12 months is going to be pretty import given there’s a lot of budgetary constraints that need to be managed.

“There’s going to be a lot of opportunity for new mayor — and when I say new mayor, some of us have only been in Council for three years — there’s going to be a requirement for some decent backing and I believe I’m certainly able to bring that to the role.

“It is a good opportunity to be able to even further get into the workings of the Corangamite Shire and I would hope, with support of my fellow Councillors, I’ll make the Deputy Mayor role that supports the community.”

Under the local Government Act Council can set the mayoral term for either one or two years.

Due to the next Council elections being held on Saturday 26 October 2024, Councillors set the term for one year until 6 am that day.