Stapleton reclaims mayoral role in Surf Coast vote

The Surf Coast Shire ushered in its new leadership team on Tuesday, electing Libby Stapleton as mayor for the coming year.

Cr Stapleton, who has served as deputy mayor for the past 12 months, defeated Paul Barker six votes to two during a special meeting of council this evening to claim the role.

She was supported by Crs Liz Pattison, Tony Phelps, Leon Walker, council newcomer Phoebe Crockett and outgoing mayor Mike Bodsworth, who did not put his hand up to serve another year in the role.

Cr Adrian Schonfelder is on medical leave and did not cast a vote.

It marks Cr Stapleton’s third stint as mayor, after she served two years in the job between 2020 and 2022 during her first term as a councillor for the shire.

Supported by Cr Joel Grist, Cr Barker was also put forward for deputy mayor, but lost six votes to two to first-time councillor Tony Phelps.

Cr Stapleton said she was excited to take on the job.

“I will be working hard with each of you to get the best outcomes that we can for our community,” she told her fellow councillors on Tuesday.

“We are a diverse group of councillors with varied experiences and wide-ranging expertise and different perspectives, but together we have so much to offer.

“Through robust discussions and increasing our shared understanding of issues, we will continue to try and make the best decisions we can on behalf of the community.”

Her focus over the next year, she said, will be on maintaining strong governance, building effective relationships and advocating for the community.

“It’s an absolute privilege to have been elected to represent this community and to have the opportunity to affect positive change and influence decision-making that impacts all of us here and the broader community, not just now but importantly for future generations,” she said.

Crs Stapleton and Phelps will serve as mayor and deputy mayor for a period of 12 months.