At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 14 November, Council welcomed the new Yarra Ranges Council Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2023–2024 term.
Melba Ward Councillor Sophie Todorov was elected Mayor of Yarra Ranges, and Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham was elected as Deputy Mayor for 2023–2024.
Fostering opportunities for growing communities, celebrating what we do well, and listening to the region’s smaller voices were key themes in the acceptance speech of Yarra Ranges Council’s newest Mayor.
“Reflecting on the past three years as a councillor, I am truly grateful for the incredible resilience of our council team. Together, we’ve weathered the highs and lows, and I extend my sincere appreciation to our CEO, council staff, and the entire community for their support.”
“In terms of our municipality, I absolutely value the uniqueness of the Yarra Ranges, the connection to indigenous history and culture and I am ready to lead in the best interests of the municipality.”
“I value our ‘smaller voices’ and believe in celebrating what we do well, and listening to what we can continuously improve upon.”
She also paid tribute to outgoing Mayor, Jim Child who finished up a two-year long term and helped guide her over the last year as Deputy Mayor.
“I’d also like to make a special announcement to Cr Jim Child, our outgoing mayor, for doing such an admirable job for the last two years. You have really led our councillor team so well during the last few years from catching up at the end of the Covid pandemic to the storm event, to the floods. Throughout it all you’ve been such a great leader and worked so tirelessly hard.”
Deputy Mayor David Eastham said he looked forward to working even more closely with the new mayor, community and taking on the challenges that lay ahead.
“To be representing Yarra Ranges Council in the role of deputy is a role that has a lot of responsibility, and it is an absolute honour and privilege to be elected as deputy mayor.”
“I look forward to working with Cr Todorov over the next twelve months and look forward to having a partnership with you to better represent the organisation and more importantly to ensure we have and deliver the best outcomes for the community,” Cr Eastham said.
