By Peter Douglas
KNOX councillor Darren Pearce has been elected as the City Council’s mayor, promising to stay engaged with the community.
After winning his seat unopposed, Cr Pearce said he was humbled by his election to mayor and looking forward to working with his fellow councillors over the next 12 months.
“It’s going to be a busy but rewarding year,” Cr Pearce said.
“I am committed to work with my fellow councillors to continue to deliver on services and programs the community expects.
“We will do that within the limits set by challenges such as rate-capping.”
The appointment is Cr Pearce’s second as mayor, after leading the council during 2013-’14.
Councillors sworn into their roles on Tuesday, 8 November, as follows:
* Baird Ward – Peter Lockwood (returned);
* Chandler Ward – John Mortimore (unopposed);
* Collier Ward – Jackson Taylor (newly elected);
* Dinsdale Ward – Adam Gill (returned);
* Dobson Ward – Jake Keogh (newly elected);
* Friberg Ward – Tony Holland (returned);
* Scott Ward – Lisa Cooper (returned);
* Taylor Ward – Darren Pearce (unopposed); and
* Tirhatuan Ward – Nicole Seymour (returned).
Meanwhile, Cardinia Shire Council announced its new council on 2 November.
Of the nine councillors elected, four have taken office for the first time, while the remaining five return from their previous four-year term.
The results from each ward are:
*Central Ward – Jodie Owen, Collin Ross, Carol Ryan and Michael Schilling;
* Port Ward – Ray Brown and Graeme Moore; and
* Ranges Ward – Brett Owen, Jeff Springfield and Leticia Wilmot.
