New Corangamite leaders

Corangamite Shire councillors Kate Makin and Laurie Hickey have been elected to serve as mayor and deputy mayor for another year.

Cr Makin, the Lake Elingamite Ward representative, and Cr Hickey, the Leura Ward councillor, will serve a one-year period until November 2025.

The newly re-elected councillors met on Tuesday for the first meeting of the new term, taking the oath of office, setting the mayoral term for one year, and electing the mayor and deputy mayor.

Cr Makin thanked her fellow councillors for having confidence in her ability to lead the council in the year ahead.

“We have significant opportunities to build on the momentum we’ve created,” she said.

“We are entering a period where our decisions will be pivotal in shaping Corangamite Shire for future generations,” she said.

“Whether it’s enhancing infrastructure, supporting our agricultural backbone, or further promoting tourism, I am committed to steering our council with the experience, stability, and vision needed to make impactful, sustainable progress.”

Cr Makin said she was “wholeheartedly” renewing a commitment to accessibility, transparency, and accountability.

“I’ve made it a priority to be available to our community, listening to their concerns, and ensuring that their voices are heard within these walls,” she said.

“Together, we have the potential to drive our shared vision forward with the same unity, dedication, and passion that have brought us this far.

“Let’s build on our achievements, tackle the challenges ahead, and lead Corangamite into a future we can all be proud of.”

Cr Hickey said it was an honour to be elected as deputy and after a year of serving in the role he realised it was more than stepping up when the mayor was unavailable.

“I’m here to support the mayor and support my fellow councillors so that the community will be better served over the next 12 months,” he said.

Council chief David Rae congratulated Cr Makin and Cr Hickey on their election: “I’m looking forward to working with them and the councillor group over the next year and the new four-year term.”

The next scheduled council meeting will be on November 26, at the Killara Centre in Camperdown, and will be live streamed on the council’s website and Facebook.