Multiple councillors battled it out for the top spots after a heavy contest for Macedon Ranges’ mayor and deputy mayor.
At the November 25 council meeting, two councillors battled out for the mayoral seat, while three fought to be elected deputy mayor.
Cr Kate Kendall was the successful candidate for mayor against Cr Rob Guthrie, and said she was excited to continue to serve the community after a successful year as deputy mayor.
“I’m really pumped for the year ahead … I’ve got the energy and the capacity to really make the most of it,” she said.
Cr Kendall said she plans to keep council as an united front heading into the new year.
“(I want to) unite the councillor group around shared goals, so we can deliver amazing outcomes for the community,” she said.
“I really (want to) strengthen the relationship with the council organisation, so we can deliver those shared goals, and then furthermore, establish and build on that trust between council and the community, that we can really work in partnership, to make the Macedon Ranges thrive.”
Cr Kendall also said she wants to make sure council is working as efficiently as possible, and that she is accessible to the Macedon Ranges community as well.
“I want to be very approachable and accessible for the community, so please get in touch,” she said.
Cr Cassy Borthwick was the successful pick for deputy mayor, following a contest between herself and Cr Daniel Young and Cr Janet Pearce.
Cr Borthwick came away with five of the votes.
She said this was an amazing opportunity for herself over the next 12 months.
“(I want to) elevate the voices of the community,” she said.
“We do a lot of consultation with the community, so prioritising how that is elevated is definitely a priority for me.”
Both Cr Kendall and Cr Borthwick are first term councillors, becoming councillors in the 2024 elections.
They will serve for a one year term.
