City of Casey Councillors have elected Waratah Ward Councillor Stefan Koomen as Mayor and Kalora Ward Councillor Melinda Ambros as Deputy Mayor for a one-year term at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 19 November.
In his first speech as Mayor, Cr Koomen thanked everyone and said it was truly an honour to be elected Mayor.
'I am absolutely delighted to be here firstly as a councillor, along with my fellow new councillors, and secondly as Mayor,' he said.
'I came into this role with a real desire to serve our community and I am hoping to be able to do that in both my role as councillor and as Mayor.
'I would like to take the opportunity to thank my fellow councillors for their support. It's been a fantastic week that we have spent together - an intense week. We have got to know each other, and I think it's a fantastic group.
'I am really looking forward to the next year and the next four years. What we've got here is a group of residents who are genuinely here to serve the community. I don't think we could have wished for a better group of people.'
City of Casey Chief Executive Officer Glenn Patterson congratulated Cr Koomen and Cr Ambros on their appointments.
'I am looking forward to working with both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and the rest of the new councillor team to deliver essential services, projects and key infrastructure,' he said.
'I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Panel of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM, Cameron Boardman and Miguel Belmar for their work in supporting the local community over the last four years, and for enabling Council to continue delivering critical services and infrastructure for our community.
'We will continue to work hard as an organisation to deliver on the priorities and aspirations of our community, and will focus on delivering reforms that uphold integrity and transparency through clear, contemporary policies and decision-making.'
Outgoing Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said over the past four years, the Panel has worked closely with the Council Officers to design a program that will support a smooth transition and provide strong governance to the incoming newly elected Council.
'With strong foundations and community vision in place, we have no doubt that everyone will continue to make valuable contributions to the community and sector. We wish the incoming elected Council all the best,' she said.
