A mayor and deputy mayor have been chosen to lead Campaspe Shire through the new unwarded system.
Cr Daniel Mackrell was officially elected as mayor on Tuesday, November 19 at the first unscheduled meeting of the term.
Cr Jessica Mitchell is the new deputy mayor.
The first official meeting of the term brought together a mix of seasoned and fresh faces.
Six returning councillors, Crs Mackrell, Rob Amos, Paul Jarman, Tony Marwood, Adrian Weston and John Zobec, were joined by newcomers Crs Mitchell, Luke Sharrock and Zoe Cook, to vote in a new mayor and deputy mayor.
At the beginning of the meeting it was decided unanimously that the mayor and deputy mayor position would have a term of one year.
Councillors then had the opportunity to nominate fellow councillors for the two positions.
Cr Cook nominated Cr Mackrell for mayor and Cr Marwood nominated Cr Amos.
The two candidates each had three minutes to pitch for the position.
Councillors then voted, with Crs Jarman, Marwood and Amos voting for Cr Amos.
Crs Mackrell, Cook, Weston, Zobec, Sharrock and Mitchell voted for Cr Mackrell, creating a majority and making Cr Mackrell the new mayor of Campaspe Shire.
Cr Mackrell said he was “humbled and honoured” when he spoke to thank his fellow councillors for voting for him.
“I am excited to work alongside such a dedicated and diverse group of councillors — some new to council, some already having gained years of council experience,” he said.
“Together, we will strive to make decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.
“Transparency and accountability will be at the forefront of our efforts as we build on the already strong relationships with local businesses, community groups and residents.”
Cr Mackrell then led the vote for the deputy mayor position, with Cr Weston nominating Cr Mitchell and Cr Marwood nominating Cr Jarman.
After the pitches, Cr Mitchell emerged as the deputy mayor, securing votes from herself and Crs Zobec, Weston, Sharrock, Mackrell and Cook.
Crs Jarman, Amos and Marwood voted for Cr Jarman.
Cr Mackrell served as a Kyabram-Deakin Ward councillor after he was voted into the position in the 2020 local government elections.
This is Cr Mitchell’s first term as a councillor.
The first ordinary council meeting for the new term was held on Tuesday, November 26 and is to be followed by another on Tuesday, December 10.