New Council elect Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Ararat Rural City Council held the statutory meeting for the new council on Thursday, 12 of November. At this meeting, the council elected Cr Jo Armstrong as Mayor and Cr Peter Beales as Deputy Mayor.

“The Councillors elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for each term. Through this process they have shown support and respect for one another. Acknowledging each other’s strengths and nominating based on what they think is best for the community,” said Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison.

Newly elected mayor Cr Jo Armstrong said, “It is an absolute honour to be elected Mayor, and I am humbled by the opportunity.”

“We are team Ararat. All Seven of us who make up this council appreciate what effective teamwork can achieve,” said Cr Armstrong

Cr Peter Beales expressed his appreciation for the nomination of Deputy Mayor and acknowledged Cr Armstrong for her election as Mayor.

“The reason that I did nominate you [Cr Jo Armstrong] was the fact that I believe that continuity is very important” said Cr Peter Beales.

“I hope to impart my experience and knowledge to the new councillors,” said Cr Beales,

At this meeting, councillors also decided the length of the term for Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The Council have elected to have a 1-year term for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

“A one-year term will allow the council to reassess, and re-evaluate their direction each year, and continue to work with changing community values,” said CEO, Dr Tim Harrison

The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, 24 November at 6.00pm. In the coming weeks, Ararat Rural City Council will update the community with a full meeting schedule for the 2020/2021 year. If there are any amendments to this schedule, we assure the community they will be updated accordingly.

Council meetings can be viewed through livestream on the Ararat Rural City Council Facebook page www.facebook.com/AraratRuralCityCouncil/. Everyone can view these, regardless of whether they have a Facebook account or not. For any queries that you may have, visit our website at Ararat.vic.gov.au or call 5355 0200 for more information.