Hodge returns as Surf Coast mayor

COUNCILLOR Rose Hodge has returned to the mayoral chair at the Surf Coast Shire after being elected as mayor for the fourth time by her fellow councillors.

At a special meeting of the council on November 7, councillors unanimously voted to elect the Torquay Ward councillor as mayor and to re-elect Lorne Ward councillor Clive Goldsworthy as deputy mayor.

Cr Hodge, who replaces outgoing mayor Cr David Bell, was elected to the council in 2004 and previously served as mayor in 2006-07, 2012-13 and 2015-16.

She has a 40-year association with Torquay and Jan Juc and has contributed as a board member, committee member and active supporter of Gateways Support Services, Torquay Community Enterprise, Spring Creek Community House, Jan Juc Kindergarten, Torquay Theatre Troupe, Torquay Cricket Club, and is a life member of Torquay Netball Club.

She said she was honoured to again be leading the council and shire for another year.

“I am looking forward to a very busy and productive term. This is a dynamic time for the council and the shire and we have much to look forward to.

The next two years are extremely important in the way that we finish the Council Plan, with all of its strategic objectives.

“As councillors we work hard for our community. We are not always thanked but we live here, we love it here and we want to do the very best for our community.

“At this point I would also like to pay tribute to outgoing mayor David Bell for his outstanding term of leadership, marked by several highlights and achievements.”

Cr Goldsworthy was elected to the council in 2012 and is now serving his third term as deputy mayor.