By JESSE GRAHAM
THE YARRA Ranges will have a new mayor earlier than originally planned and current Mayor Jim Child said he will not put his hand up for the top job again.
In the Yarra Ranges Council’s 22 October meeting, it was unanimously decided to move the mayoral election meeting forward, from 12 November to 6 November.
Councillors had indicated that many were unable to make it on the original date, and the new date would allow all of the councillors to have their say on their next leader.
Mayor Jim Child told The Mail on Friday 25 October that he would not try for the role of mayor for another year.
He said that he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the role and that the year has run smoothly thanks to cooperation with the councillors.
“Through my term, I’ve really appreciated the whole council, and all the councillors,” he said.
“There’s areas where we disagree, and we disagree passionately in the chamber, but everyone appreciates each other’s comments.”
Billanook Ward Councillor Maria McCarthy said that she will be putting her hand up for the role of deputy mayor, but many councillors have remained tight-lipped on the subject of the election and who may run for mayor.
Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister said the results of the election will be interesting.
“It’s always difficult to tell, but all will be revealed,” she said.
“I will watch with great interest.”
