Giving back to the city

EARLIER this month, I was deeply honoured to be elected by my fellow Councillors as Deputy Mayor. I am truly humbled by their confidence and it is both a privilege and a pleasure to serve our community in this role.

Putting myself forward for this leadership position was not a decision I took lightly. I wanted to ensure I was in the strongest possible position, both in capacity and capability, to take on the responsibility that comes with this office.

This marks an exciting new chapter in my Council term. I am committed to using my skills, experience, and business and community acumen to give back to the city that has given so much to my family and me.

I have served as a Geelong Councillor since 2010 and, during that time, have chaired or deputy-chaired almost every Council portfolio.

I have also represented Council on numerous boards and committees, including the Regional Waste Management Authority, Geelong Major Events Committee, Geelong Gallery board, and the Planning Committee, among others.

That breadth has given me a well-rounded perspective, and a deep understanding of how our decisions connect across portfolios and all corners of our municipality.

Over the years, I have served alongside eight Mayors and nine Deputy Mayors, gaining a strong appreciation of leadership, collaboration, and civic responsibility.

I also share a strong and trusting working relationship with our current Mayor. I understand his priorities, leadership style, and the pressures of the office, and I believe this will enable me to support him loyally and publicly, while also providing honest, respectful, and considered counsel when required.

Outside of Council, I have held CEO and senior executive roles for more than 20 years. Governance, risk management, OHS&E, financial stewardship, people and culture, and accountability are not abstract concepts to me – they are responsibilities I have lived every day.

As the son of migrant parents, with English as our second language, raised and educated in Bell Park and Bell Post Hill, the path ahead was not always certain. Like many young people, I faced forks in the road.

However, through modest beginnings, strong family values, disciplined parenting, and the support of neighbours and siblings, I was guided by hard work, integrity, and a deep respect for community.

Those values continue to shape the way I serve today, and I believe these experiences have equipped me well to serve as Deputy Mayor.

In this role, I will strive to foster collaboration and unity across the Councillor group and deliver meaningful outcomes for our community. My focus will be on supporting local – our events, initiatives, challenges, and opportunities, while celebrating everything that makes Geelong truly great.

We are blessed with a vibrant city that rivals any capital city, with cosmopolitan dining, sporting and entertainment precincts, exciting major events, an extraordinary bay, world–class beaches, picturesque countryside, and the breathtaking You Yangs. I am humbled to be in a position where I can champion all that I love about my hometown.

As I take on this role, I would like to thank my predecessor, Councillor Ron Nelson, for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our region.

I also thank our community for the trust you have placed in me over the past 15 years.

Representing the people of Geelong on Council remains one of the greatest honours of my life.

I look forward to this next chapter and sincerely thank my fellow Councillors for entrusting me with this responsibility.

As always, I am happy to speak with anyone on Council–related matters, please contact me on: 0455 532 006 or at [email protected]

Cr Eddy Kontelj

Hamlyn Heights Ward,

City of Greater Geelong