By Tate Papworth
Brimbank might have a new mayor, but the message is still the same.
Cr Georgina Papafotiou was elected mayor at a special council meeting last Wednesday, defeating Cr Virginia Tachos six votes to five.
She said advocacy around a number of large projects would remain a priority under her leadership.
“It is an absolute honour and privilege to be elected the new mayor of our wonderful municipality, the City of Brimbank,“ Cr Papafotiou said.
“Last Friday our former mayor Lucinda Congreve launched the 2020 Transforming Brimbank agenda at Parliament house. The agenda is bold, but clear.“
She said a commitment to collaborate with all levels of government and stakeholders around projects such as the Sunshine Super Hub and the airport rail link would continue and ensure Brimbank realises its full potential.
“Investment such as the airport rail link and the north west city deal will accelerate growth and create jobs,“ she said.
“Over the next 12 months I plan on focusing on continued advocacy and building on relationships with all levels of government, stakeholders and sponsors.
“We are here to represent what is best for our people in our community.“
While advocacy is high on the agenda, the new mayor said she couldn’t wait to see work begin on the council’s “signature project“, the St Albans Leisure Centre.
“I can’t think of a more exciting time to be mayor,“ she said.
“Next year we will final replace the tired, much-loved St Albans Leisure Centre and commence work on our new health and wellbeing centre.
“We will continue to seek government funding and partnerships as this is our signature project for our term of office.“
Cr Papafotiou will serve as mayor until next year’s council elections, which will be held on Saturday, October 24.
Cr Kim Thien Truong was elected deputy mayor.
