Stapleton and Pattison re-elected to lead shire

SURF Coast Shire councillors Libby Stapleton and Cr Liz Pattison have been re-elected to the positions of mayor and deputy mayor respectively.

At the council meeting, held on Tuesday last week, the councillors voted to elect Cr Stapleton and Cr Pattison to a second consecutive one-year term.

In her acceptance speech, Cr Stapleton said it was a great honour to be elected as mayor for a second year.

“It’s been a privilege to work with this team over the past 12 months. I’d like to thank my fellow councillors, council staff and the community for their support over what’s been a challenging year for us all,” she said.

“COVID threw us another curveball in 2021, but the dedication of this council and the ability of our community to persevere has been inspiring. Although the impacts of COVID will linger and challenge us for some time – years in fact – I’m proud of the way our community has responded.

“Despite the challenges of COVID, our council has achieved much over the past year, from the big ticket items like People Place Future, the development of our four-year strategic plans and the appointment of our new CEO, to really significant moments like the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan, releasing our Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan, securing the final stage of funding for the aquatic centre and the declaration of a key worker accommodation crisis on the Surf Coast.

“We’ve been able to work collaboratively and achieve great outcomes for our community.

“I really am hopeful that the next year will allow me to do more of the things I love, like getting out and meeting people in our community while also working hard to help Council deliver on our Council Plan and fulfil the vision of our community.”

Cr Pattison also thanked her fellow councillors and the community for their support.

“This year has been a challenging and enjoyable year, and as a team of councillors I think we should be proud of the achievements that we have made over the year,” she said.

“I’m excited to continue to represent our community in the Surf Coast Shire for another year. We’re so lucky to be part of this wonderful community and environment.

“I’m looking forward to working collaboratively and respectfully with all of my fellow councillors. We have a relatively new CEO, so knowing there is stable, dedicated and capable leadership is really important. These relationships are key to working well together.”