Councillor Ian Bye from Sale has been elected as Wellington Shire Council Mayor, with Councillor Marcus McKenzie of Port Albert appointed Deputy Mayor.
While Cr Bye completed a term as Deputy Mayor in 2018, this is his first as Mayor of Wellington Shire Council.
Cr Bye thanked outgoing Mayor Garry Stephens for leading Council and Wellington residents through one of the most challenging periods in recent memory, which included multiple COVID-19 lockdowns and two major weather emergencies.
“Cr Stephens showed great leadership during Covid lockdowns and restrictions, ensuring councillors were still able to work co-operatively and respectfully, even though we were rarely able to come together in person,” Cr Bye said.
“He always focused on what could be done, rather than on what couldn’t be done, in these times of restrictions, as well as sending a positive message to the community to be kind to one another as we opened back up.
“Among that, we have also had to contend with two severe weather events – the storm and floods in June and last week’s wind storm.
“Through these two emergencies, Cr Stephens played an important role in making sure the community was heard and kept updated.
“I look forward to continuing the co-operative approach Cr Stephens had with Council.”