Metcalf named mayor, Evans deputy

WHIPSTICK Ward councillor Andrea Metcalf will serve as mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo for 2021/22 after being elected by her peers.

She’ll be joined in political leadership of the municipality by Eppalock Ward’s Cr Matthew Evans as deputy-mayor.

Over the course of the next mayoral term it’s likely there’ll be a Federal election and the majority of a campaign for a State vote, and Cr Metcalf said she will continue to lobby both levels for investments while leading the City through its rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are very much hoping the best days are ahead of us as we continue to navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, so with that optimism comes opportunity to help our local economy bounce back better than before,” she said.

Councillors recently voted to adopt several strategic plans, including the Council Plan, the 10-year financial plan, Healthy Greater Bendigo and the Climate Change and Environment Strategy, which will shape future council decisions.

Cr Metcalf said she is excited to promote City of Gastronomy attractions, as well as the new Bendigo Art Gallery exhibition Elvis Presley: Direct from Graceland.

She said the City’s priority projects include the Bendigo Airport and Bendigo Art Gallery expansions, both of which will rely on external funding.

Other projects in need of funding include a waste solution for the City, the employment precinct in Marong, Bendigo Heritage Attractions refurbishments and various tracks and trails.

Deputy mayor-elect Cr Matthew Evans said he will use his role to continue to push for more large-scale events for Bendigo, and “good and strong outcomes for the community.”

“I’ll continue to talk about major events in general, everyone’s talking about Elvis and that’s going to be a fantastic opportunity, but also just being more ambitious, we are seeing the economy opening up, events and hospitality opening up, we’ve got to support that,” he said.