New Hume and Macedon Ranges councillors have been finding their feet during their first week on the job after being sworn in last week.
Veteran Jackson’s Creek ward councillor Ann Potter has been elected Hume deputy mayor, with Aitken ward’s Drew Jessop being made mayor.
The pair were sworn in along with 11 other councillors at the first statutory meeting of the new Hume line-up at Broadmeadows.
Cr Potter, a long-time Sunbury resident, said her 16 years as a councillor would help her mentor new councillors by providing them with advice and support.
“Very honoured to be elected deputy mayor of Hume tonight, I want to thank everyone for all their support,” she said on Facebook.
Cr Jessop, the new mayor, said he felt “honoured” and was committed to the community.
Meanwhile, seven new faces on Macedon Ranges council were among those sworn in last Monday.
Jennifer Anderson and Roger Jukes are back on the council, joined by first-timer Janet Pearce from the west, Bill West, Natasha Gayfer and Henry Bleeck from the east and Mandi Mees, Andrew Twaits and Helen Radnedge from the south.
Female representation has increased from two to five. It is the first time Macedon Ranges council has had a majority of women councillors.
The mayor will be elected at a special council meeting in Gisborne on Wednesday, November 16, with the new council’s first meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 23.
