At the Special Council meeting held on Tuesday 19 November 2024, Councillor Jim Child, O'Shannassy Ward was elected as Mayor with Chirnside Park Ward Councillor Richard Higgins elected as Deputy.
This is Councillor Child's fourth term as Mayor for Yarra Ranges Council and he said he was honoured and proud to be able to lead the new Council in their first year.
"This Council will be passionate and collaborative in representing our community, and we'll continue to protect and enhance the place that we all call home.
"We will continue to deliver more than 120 services to our community with passion and a keen eye on how we will be able to keep the costs down while still meeting the needs of our 150,000 residents, thousands of businesses and all our visitors.
"With visitors to the Yarra Ranges expected to double to over 9 million in next decade, we will continue to advocate to State and Federal government for their support. This increase in tourism will provide over 500 local jobs and put $80million per year into our local economy. This will be enhanced by the completion of some our key projects including the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, ngurrak baring and the Yarra Valley Trails.
"The Council Plan 2025-2029 is being finalised along with our Long-term Financial Plan and Asset Management Plan. We, as community and Council, will build on these plans to ensure that they outline our future and complement our community vision," said Cr Child.
Cr Child also thanked outgoing Mayor Sophie Todorov and Deputy David Eastham along with the previous Council for their support and work completed over the past four years.
Cr Child welcomed the new councillors, Cr Mitch Mazzarella Melba Ward, Cr Jeff Marriot Streeton Ward, Cr Peter Mcilwain Lyster Ward and Cr Gareth Ward Chandler Ward.
Cr Child concluded, "And there is one other person I would also like to thank for all her support – my confidante, my wife, Teresa."
