Long-term resident and passionate community advocate, Cr Michelle Kleinert, was elected as Mayor for the next 12 months, at Council's Annual Meeting on Thursday 4 November, 2021. Fellow Councillor Deirdre Diamante, another long-term Manningham resident, was elected Deputy Mayor.
In her second term as Mayor, Westerfolds Ward Councillor, Cr Kleinert said her focus for the year ahead will be to work with the community to rebuild after what has been a tough year.
Cr Kleinert thanked outgoing Mayor Cr Conlon and Deputy Mayor Cr Chen for their work over the past year, acknowledging that it has not been as easy one, however it has been a year that has brought us together in difficult times.
Looking forward, Cr Kleinert also said the coming year will be about delivering on our commitments in our Council Plan, bringing transparency and accountability, working to protect our local environment, update streetscapes, advocate for our community and in particular, work on mental health and preventing bullying, through her work with Bully Zero.
Manningham Council Mayor, Cr Michelle Kleinert said, "This is an honour and a privilege, I do not take this position lightly and I thank my fellow Councillors for voting for me."
"I know that with my fellow Councillor and Deputy Mayor Cr Diamante, we will be a dynamic team and will help guide the organisation through a big year of recovery."
"I dedicate myself to serve this organisation and community that I love dearly. I promise to always be the best version of myself and I thank my family and friends for always encouraging this in me, in particular my father, my greatest supporter."
"I know that together we will all bounce back after this difficult year. I commit to working with our community to rebuild our connections and enable and empower one another."
"I will have an open-door policy and encourage you all to contact me at any time."
"As well as ensuring we deliver on the important work of Council through our Council Plan, I will focus on my dedication towards improving mental health and will uphold the mantra, Be Kind Manningham."
"We've also got a lot of advocacy work to do, a lot of lobbying, particularly with elections coming up next year. It will be a busy but rewarding year ahead."
"I look forward to 2022. I am proud of this City and I dedicate myself to serve my community and to do this with energy and devotion."
