VIC
Councillor Trent Sullivan is Greater Geelong’s new Mayor, after he was elected unopposed at a meeting at City Hall this evening.
Mayor Sullivan becomes the 15th mayor since the amalgamated City of Greater Geelong was formed in 1995.
“I am truly honoured to be elected to this position. The position of mayor is one among equals, and it’s how I intend to approach the role,” he said.
A Portarlington resident, Mayor Sullivan has represented the Bellarine Ward since he was first elected to the Council in 2017.
He has served as Deputy Mayor since November 2020, while chairing the Bellarine Multi Arts Facility (Potato Shed), Creative Communities & Culture portfolio and Tourism portfolio.
Councillor Anthony Aitken, from the Windermere Ward, was elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor.
Mayor Sullivan and Deputy Mayor Aitken will lead the Council until the scheduled Victorian local government elections in October 2024.
The new Mayor thanked outgoing Mayor, Peter Murrihy, for his leadership over the past five months, and also praised Councillor Stephanie Asher for assisting him during her term as Mayor.
“I look forward to working with a proven and capable deputy (mayor), Anthony Aitken, and all of my fellow councillors over this period,” he said.
“There are a lot of challenges that our organisation and our community faces. But every challenge is an opportunity to improve how we operate, and how we meet the needs of our community. Our duty and our purpose is to provide the services and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for all members of our community.”
Deputy Mayor Aitken said he was proud to see a representative of the northern suburbs take on a leadership role with the Council.
“I’m humbled by the trust that this Council group has put in me tonight. I’m really looking forward to working with the Mayor, and the Council group, to achieve its aspirations and its goals, but ultimately to deliver what the community wants,” he said.
