Stephanie Asher elected as new Geelong mayor
Kylie Grzybek and Stephanie Asher, shortly after their appointments as Geelong's new deputy mayor and mayor respectively.
Stephanie Asher was elected by her colleagues as the City of Greater Geelong’s new mayor during a special council meeting held on Tuesday, with Cr Kylie Grzybek elected as the new deputy mayor.
Cr Asher is an Ocean Grove resident, having first been elected to council on October 2017 after receiving the highest percentage of first preference votes in the Bellarine Ward.
She has chaired the council’s Planning Committee, Submissions Review Panel and Strategy and Communications portfolio.
Cr Asher said she was eager to lead the council forward, but also thanked for mayor Cr Bruce Harwood and deputy mayor Cr Peter Murrihy for their work in the roles.
“I’m deeply honoured to be elected as Mayor and I couldn’t wish for a more committed, intelligent and capable deputy mayor in Cr Kylie Grzybek.
“Thank-you to Cr Bruce Harwood for his steady leadership, and calm and measured manner in the council chamber as mayor over the past two years. Also to Cr Peter Murrihy, who has done a fantastic job as deputy mayor.”
She becomes the 13th mayor since the formation of the City of Greater Geelong Council in 1995. She is also just the second female to hold the role, with Barbara Abley becoming the first in 2002.
Cr Grzybek is similarly in her first term as councillor, have been elected as the Windermere Ward. She chairs the council’s Community Health and Safety portfolio and the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee.
Cr Grzybek also thanked Cr Harwood and Cr Murrihy for their work in the roles, and said she was looking forward to working with Cr Asher.
“I am humbled to be elected as Deputy Mayor by my fellow councillors and to work alongside mayor Stephanie Asher.
“The next year will be a big one for the council and I’m excited to continue the strong sense of unity we have had over the past two years.”
Departing mayor Cr Harwood specifically thanked Cr Murrihy for his work as deputy, but said he was appreciative for the support he received in general.
“Thank-you to Cr Peter Murrihy for his dedication as deputy mayor over the past two years.
“Thanks also to my fellow councillors for their support during this time, as well as CEO Martin Cutter, the City’s Executive Leadership Team and council staff for working alongside me to achieve positive outcomes for the community.”
Cr Asher and Cr Grzybek will occupy their positions until the next council elections on October 24, 2020.
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