Reacquaint yourself with the mayor

COUNCILLOR Des Hudson has been voted as City of Ballarat mayor for 2022 to 2023, during an unscheduled meeting on Monday with a packed gallery present.

Having been on council for 20 years, Cr Hudson previously served as mayor from 2015 to 2016, and said he’s “humbled” to take on the role again.

“It’s a very proud moment to be elected as civic leader of a town where you were born and bred,” he said.

“It’s a role that’s at an exciting time as we continue to focus a lot of energy on the Commonwealth Games… [but] we are still here for the people.

“One of the issues on everyone’s mind… is that issue of potholes. [It’s about] those basic three Rs of roads, rates and rubbish, and getting back to that.

“We need to set reasonable capital projects but get on and deliver those projects once they’ve been committed to… then move on.”

Cr Amy Johnson will serve a third consecutive term as deputy mayor and said she’s looking forward to working with Cr Hudson.

“He’s always able to provide a different perspective to the discussions,” she said.

“He’s a fantastic public speaker. He’s got a terrific sense of humour and he’s deeply imbedded within our community, so he’s always got his finger on the pulse.”

Outgoing mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said it’s been an “incredible honour and privilege” to lead the city for the past two years.

“I’m proud to have been part of the City that so dramatically changed around its fortunes [after COVID],” he said.

“We’ve been transparent and tireless in our pursuit of what’s best for the Ballarat community.”