Oscar Parry
Macedon Ranges South Ward councillor Dominic Bonanno has been elected as mayor and first-term West Ward councillor Kate Kendall elected as deputy, promising to drive innovation in the council among other objectives.
Both were elected for a one-year term during a formal ceremony on Friday, November 22 at the council’s Gisborne administration centre.
Entering his second term, Cr Bonanno said he put his hand up for the mayoral role after his life circumstances changed allowing him to perform the role.
“My children are four years older now, they’re all teenagers, and anyone with teenagers will know that being with mum or dad isn’t as cool as it used to be … I had the passing of my father in August and a flexible workplace arrangement that will come into effect,” Cr Bonanno said.
He said being in his second term, he brings “continuity and stability” to his mayoral role, along with an ability to learn quickly.
“My leadership style – I’m an active listener, empathic, I’m a team player, I’m certainly approachable, and I truly believe in the ‘three Fs’ – being factual, fair, and fun,” he said.
“I like to hope when people think of me, [they think] I’m genuine, I’m curious and open-minded, ask lots of questions, I’m a critical thinker – so being able to think strategically about the decisions that we make and understanding … the long-term impacts on our community … I’ve always acted in the best interests of our community and I will continue to do so.”
He said his priorities for the early term include building relationships and communication with the five first-term councillors, “reviewing and building out” the council plan, and supporting “innovation and continuous improvement.”
Cr Kendall said that it “feels great” to be elected and that she is looking forward to working alongside and supporting Cr Bonanno.
“One of the most important qualities I think is the ability to listen, observe and reflect, and not only listen to what the community wants but what the mayor’s achieving in his term and also the wider councillor group,” Cr Kendall said.
“Being able to plug and play from a digital perspective, being up-to-speed in terms of innovation and digital transformation – I think will be helpful so we can hit the ground running in this term of council.”
