Mayor Jolly is the most experienced Councillor at Yarra, being first elected to serve our community in 2004. Following the 2024 Council elections, Cr Jolly was reelected to represent the residents and businesses in the MacKillop Ward which covers Fitzroy.
"Residents across Yarra have voted for a refocus of this Council and for new priorities which we will work towards delivering from today, said Cr Jolly on being elected as Mayor.
"Today a comprehensive Notice of Motion will be published on the Council's website for consideration at our Council meeting next week. The motion maps out a new direction for this community, based on the strong community sentiment for change at the recent Yarra elections.
"Every decision we make over the next 12-months, will place our close to 100,000 residents and more than 18,500 business front of mind.
"Residents and businesses can look forward to a Council to that listens to their priorities and delivers on them," he said.
"This will be my focus as Mayor."
Newly elected Deputy Mayor, Cr Sarah McKenzie said she wanted to be part of a Council that partners with our entire community and that ensures their voices are at the center of every decision our Council makes.
Cr McKenzie, who will serve as Deputy Mayor, was first elected at this month's Council elections to serve the Yarra Bend Ward, which includes the suburbs of Clifton Hill, Fairfield and Alphington.
"I'm thrilled to be elected as Yarra Bend Ward Councillor and now Deputy Mayor," said Cr McKenzie. "In the coming years our city will grow and change faster than it has for decades. We have a great opportunity to start paving the way for a strong and vibrant future, where everyone in Yarra is welcome, safe, included, and respected."
This month Yarra elected a brilliant team of councillors, with diverse experiences, skills and perspectives. What we have in common is a strong dedication to our community. I'm looking forward to working side by side with my new council colleague and our entire community to drive positive change in Yarra and to ensure no one is left behind." said Cr McKenzie.
A full copy of the Notice of Motion will be available on the Council's website this week.
