Brimbank’s new mayor, Margaret Giudice, has vowed to continue the council’s ‘community first’ approach.
Elected to the position at last week’s special meeting, Cr Giudice said it was a great honour to lead the current council into its second year.
“It’s an absolute privilege and an honour to be mayor of this great city,” Cr Giudice said.
It’s not the first time Cr Giudice has served as mayor – she previously occupied the position in 2007.
Cr Giudice was also a member of the council that was sacked by the state government in 2009. But she says the situation is vastly different this time around.
“I’m not a member of any political parties or anything like that,” she said.
“My sole objective is to represent the City of Brimbank and its people.
“We’ve got a different group of councillors this time around, too, who have proved during their first year in the role that they work well together.”
Cr Giudice, who replaces Cr John Hedditch as mayor, said she would continue to maintain the visible presence established by her predecessor.
“I’m going to be attending as many functions as possible and getting out into the community as much as I can,” she said.
The next 12 months will have a major bearing on the council’s legacy.
A state election will be held in 2018.
“The next 12 months are going to be absolutely vital for Brimbank,” Cr Giudice said.
“Going forward, we’ll work together as a council and really work out what we’re going to advocate politicians for going into the election.”
While the council already has plans to lobby the government on a number of key issues, Cr Giudice said the voice of Brimbank’s people would guide the council.
“I want the community to tell us what they want,” she said.
Cr Daniel Allan will serve as deputy mayor after he was elected to the position last week.
Both councillors will serve in their respective positions for a year.
