Prince, Corr take top positions at City of Greater Bendigo council table

THE Greater Bendigo City Council has elected Cr Thomas Prince as mayor and Cr Karen Corr as his deputy for the 2025-26 municipal year.

They were elected at the City’s statutory meeting at the Bendigo Town Hall last night.

Cr Prince said he was honoured to be chosen by his colleagues and is ready to lead with both his head and his heart.

“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to work with a unified council that puts community first,” Cr Prince said.

“I believe in being approachable, practical and personal. Building strong relationships – whether with residents, community groups, or other levels of government – is central to how I lead.”

Cr Prince was elected unopposed. He joined the council at last year’s elections after running unsuccessfully in 2016 and 2020.

The new councillor outlined a clear and community-focused vision for his term.

He said he is committed to strengthening trust in the council through greater transparency and meaningful engagement, ensuring that residents feel heard and involved in local decision-making.

“I’ll continue to attend community meetings, school visits and local events,” Cr Prince said.

“These connections are the most rewarding part of the role. I’m committed to listening, learning and delivering outcomes that reflect the needs of our residents.”

Cr Corr, meanwhile, said she was proud to take on the role of deputy mayor.

She joined the council at the 2024 elections and brings three decades of leadership experience to the position.

“Advocacy is key,” she said. “We must speak up, stand together, and ensure our region’s priorities are heard.

“I’m committed to being a visible and active deputy mayor, focused on collaboration and positive change.”

Crs Prince and Corr replace outgoing mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf and her deputy Cr Abhishek Awasthi.

Cr Metcalf had served four terms in the position, while Cr Awasthi joined the council at the 2024 elections.