Kontelj takeover: brothers to lead Geelong council

It is now officially a family affair at City Hall, after Eddy Kontelj was elected deputy mayor on Tuesday evening.

He joins his brother, mayor Stretch Kontelj, in the Geelong council’s top two leadership positions.

Eddy Kontelj will serve in the role until at least November, filling the vacancy left by former deputy mayor Ron Nelson, who stepped down from the position last week.

Cr Kontelj, who has been a councillor since 2010, said he was in the “strongest position” he had ever been to take on the role, citing both his experience and changes to his professional commitments over the past year that had given him greater capacity to serve.

“I probably know the mayor better than anyone else in this room,” Cr Kontelj said on Tuesday.

“I understand the pressures and challenges that he’s under as the mayor. I also understand his priorities and understand his work style.

“I’d like to think that from that point I’ll be a good support for him publicly, but also be able to offer measured counsel and advice when needed.”

Cr Kontelj described representing the council as one of the “greatest honours” of his life.

“It’s a responsibility that I never take lightly,” he said.

“We’re blessed with a vibrant city that rivals any capital city.

“Our aspirations should only ever be limited by our imagination, so there’s certainly plenty more work to do.”

Cr Elise Wilkinson mounted a challenge for the deputy role, arguing diversity in leadership “avoids groupthink” and provides greater balance of view.

Her nomination was put forward by Cr Emma Sinclair and seconded by Cr Rowan Story. But when the matter was put to a show of hands, Cr Story ultimately voted in favour of Cr Kontelj.

Only Cr Wilkinson and Cr Sinclair opposed his election.

Cr Nelson, who is understood to be seeking Liberal Party preselection for the state seat of South Barwon, will remain on the council.