Tony Stevenson elected as Yarra Ranges Mayor

Councillor Tony Stevenson has been elected as Mayor of the Yarra Ranges for his first term at Council’s 13 November meeting.

Cr Stevenson was unanimously elected as Mayor by his fellow Councillors, who he thanked for voting him into the role. 

“It’s indeed an honour and a privilege to be the incoming Mayor,” Cr Stevenson said.

“I thank my fellow Councillors for their support – in many ways, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have stood for Mayor.

“Each of my fellow Councillors are people of integrity and are committed to delivering the best for the people of the Yarra Ranges. I consider myself fortunate to be working with such a bunch of committed and caring Councillors.

“Being Mayor is certainly an honour, but to me, it’s a demanding role in which I will work hard to support my fellow Councillors and, with them, this organisation and the community it serves.”

Cr Stevenson acknowledged the work of outgoing Mayor, Walling Ward Councillor Len Cox, and thanked him for his commitment over the last year.

“Cr Cox has been and continues to be an outstanding contributor to our community and to Local Government,” Cr Stevenson said.

“Not many people know that he’s my Ward Councillor and in years past when I’ve turned to him for help, I have found that he’s been most helpful and caring. Cr Cox provides an example of dedication, community service and leadership that we should all aspire to.”

Councillors Tony Stevenson and Richard Higgins at the Lilydale Civic Centre.

Cr Stevenson said there was no shortage of work ahead during his year-long term as Mayor, with Council recruiting a new CEO, beginning works on its new Civic Centre in Lilydale and continuing to implement the Council Plan.

“There is plenty for us to move on and I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors, our Council Team and our community, to ensure we can all enjoy living in our beautiful and friendly Yarra Ranges,” he said.

Chirnside Councillor, Richard Higgins, was elected to the role of Deputy Mayor.

“I think our Council is moving from strength to strength,” Cr Higgins said.

“We work as a very unique council in that we combine to get things done and we’ve got a few challenges ahead – in recruiting our new CEO and our new Civic Centre - but I look forward to them.”

Cr Stevenson and Cr Higgins were elected to Yarra Ranges Council in 2016. Cr Higgins previously served as a Councillor from 2008-2012.