Cr Gstrein returns as Mayor and Cr Conheady elected deputy

Published on 24 November 2021

Corangamite Shire Central Ward Councillor Ruth Gstrein was last night elected to her fifth mayoral term.

Cr Ruth Gstrein was first elected to Corangamite Shire Council in 2002 and served as Mayor in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2021.

At their November meeting in Camperdown, Councillors also elected one of her fellow Central Ward Councillors, Geraldine Conheady, as Deputy Mayor.

Both were elected unopposed for a one-year term.

“Thank you to Councillors for your confidence in my ability to continue in the role of mayor,” Cr Gstrein said.

“I certainly really appreciate your support. I think over the last 12 months in particular we have become a very coherent and collaborative group of Councillors.

“We don't always see eye to eye. We have very different backgrounds and diverse opinions.

“I’m just so pleased that we’re able to deal with the issues that come before us with great respect.”

“The last 12 months have been incredibly hectic for our organisation and without a doubt with the funding that's been made available to us through State and Federal governments it's going to continue to be a very, very busy 12 months.

“I'm certainly looking forward to working with you for good outcomes for Corangamite Shire.”

Cr Gstrein congratulated Cr Conheady on her election as Deputy Mayor and thanked outgoing Deputy, South Central Ward Councillor Jo Beard.

Cr Conheady was first elected to Council at a by-election in 2020.

“My sincere thanks to my fellow Councillors for their support,” she said.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with all Councillors and the organisation and look forward to assisting Mayor Gstrein in serving our community.

“I value good relationships and stability. I believe they are an asset to better outcomes for our Shire.”