Councillor Naim Kurt of the Meadow Valley Ward was elected by Council colleagues at a Statutory Council Meeting on Wednesday 1 November 2023, while Cr Karen Sherry of the Meadow Valley Ward will remain as Deputy Mayor for a second straight year.
Cr Kurt's appointment as Mayor follows a stint as Deputy Mayor for Hume City across the 2018/2019 term. The terms for both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be capped at 12 months, concluding in October 2024 in readiness for the 2024 Council election.
Cr Kurt spoke of his deep family roots that have been laid in Hume City over the decades, and his family's experience with political persecution that have fostered his love of the area and for politics.
It will also underpin the objectives of his Mayoral term, with Cr Kurt declaring that enhancing Hume's liveability and pride, and making all feel welcome by avoiding
a one size fits all approach will be key objectives over the next 12 months.
Cr Kurt added the upcoming year will be about harnessing the growth Hume City has achieved over the last year and creating opportunity around it, while understanding the demand on services and infrastructure it creates.
- Delivering $128.3 million of new community facilities, roads, footpaths, parks and reserves.
- Continued investment in state-backed services, particularly in Hume's northern growth areas of Kalkallo, Mickleham and Craigieburn.
- The revitalisation of Sunbury with a view to create an Arts and Culture Precinct at Jacksons Hill.
- Working in an historic partnership with neighbouring councils to facilitate the creation of a centralised Metropolitan Activity Centre to unite Hume's northern communities.
Cr Kurt looks forward to closing out 2023 by bringing the community together throughout the busy holiday season, which will include the annual Hume Carols by Candlelight and other Christmas in Hume celebrations.
Cr Kurt thanked outgoing Mayor Cr Joseph Haweil and Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Sherry for leaving a legacy of strong leadership in a time of growth for Hume at the conclusion of their 12 month term.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hume City, Cr Naim Kurt:
"As a Council, we covet the responsibility our community has given us to lead them, to be their voice and fight for what matters. And in doing that we make Hume a better place.
"Being Mayor is not something that happens on its own. I want to thank my councillor colleagues for their support, and I look forward to sharing this responsibility with them over the next 12 months.
"Throughout my term, I plan to lead our Council with good governance, with local people at the forefront of every decision made, and ensuring those most in need are not left behind."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor of Hume City, Cr Karen Sherry:
"Congratulations to Councillor Kurt, I look forward to working with him this year.
"I'm particularly looking forward to more urban planning, and stamping Broadmeadows as a Metropolitan Activity Centre, preventing it from it lagging behind other bustling activity centres in Melbourne.
"I'm excited to be part of the fantastic work we will do this year, and I thank my fellow councillors for the opportunity to be part of guiding this council team for our final council term."
