Councillor Paul Klisaris from Wellington Ward has been elected Mayor of Monash Council for 2024-25, the first year of a new council term after local government elections across Victoria.
Councillor Brian Little from Mayfield Ward will serve as Deputy Mayor.
Cr Klisaris is excited about working with both new and returning councillors.
"The first year of a new council term is an exciting time, and I look forward to working alongside Deputy Mayor Cr Little and returning colleagues, as well as getting to know new councillors Cr Elisha Lee and Cr Cameron Little.
"Voters in Monash have entrusted us with the important job of guiding their local council and, as the level of government closest to its people, we take this very seriously.
"We have several significant projects underway, and my colleagues and I are keen to get to work on finalising a new Council Plan following extensive community consultation last year.
"There are exciting Council projects in construction that will be open to the public in the next 12 months. These include the extension of Bogong Car Park in Glen Waverley to create more than 500 new parking spots and a new pavilion and facilities at Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh to provide Monash's first National Premier League standard venue for soccer, a project I have championed and am delighted to see its progress.
"We also need to continue to advocate for the best community outcomes in Monash from the Victorian Government's Suburban Rail Loop project and their proposed housing and planning reforms. It is crucial that local voices and local government has input on these.
"As Mayor I will also continue Council's advocacy to have stronger protections for Monash's tree canopy and progress work on a new library and civic precinct in Glen Waverley.
"I thank the residents of Wellington Ward for choosing me as their councillor and my fellow councillors for electing me as Mayor.
"My thanks also go to everyone who ran for local government across Victoria and the Victorian Electoral Commission for coordinating the election, we are lucky to live in a country where everyone can have their say via the ballot box or put themselves forward for public office.
More about Cr Klisaris
Cr Klisaris is a long-term Monash Councillor, and this will be his fourth term as Mayor. With 24 years of experience in local government, he brings proven leadership, strong community connections, and deep understanding of local issues. His expertise in managing budgets, infrastructure development, and social services ensures he is well placed to advocate for Monash residents and drive positive change for the community.
Full list of Monash Councillors
The new Council includes two new councillors and nine councillors returning for another term.
Elected councillors are (in alphabetical order by ward):
- Banksia Ward - Cr Cameron Little (new councillor)
- Blackburn Ward - Cr Rebecca Paterson (returning councillor)
- Gallaghers Ward - Cr Geoff Lake (returning councillor)
- Gardiners Creek Ward - Cr Anjalee de Silva (returning councillor)
- Jells Ward - Cr Elisha Lee (new councillor)
- Mayfield Ward - Cr Brian Little (returning councillor)
- Scotchmans Creek Ward - Cr Nicky Luo (returning councillor)
- University Ward - Cr Josh Fergeus (returning councillor)
- Warrigal Ward - Cr Stuart James (returning councillor)
- Waverley Park Ward - Cr Shane McCluskey (returning councillor)
- Wellington Ward - Cr Paul Klisaris (returning councillor)
View the election results in full on the Victorian Electoral Commission website.
Councillor bios on Council's website will be updated soon.
