13 November 2019
Briars Ward Councillor Sam Hearn was elected Mayor of Mornington Peninsula Shire for 2019/20 at the Annual Council Meeting on Tuesday 13 November 2019.
Cerberus Ward Councillor Kate Roper was elected as Deputy Mayor.
In Mayor Hearn’s acceptance speech, he said “when I was heavily involved in voluntary work through local schools and other youth initiatives, I learnt that we live in an incredible place filled with amazing people”.
“However, over the past three years, that I’ve been privileged to part of Council, it has broadened by understanding of how many people we have who are constantly looking outside of themselves to give, serve and lead for the benefit of everyone in the community.
“This is also what I’ve seen in the amazing group of people who currently serve as your Councillors. I have seen them seek to serve you with integrity, courage and compassion. I’m overwhelmed in their belief in me, that they would give me the honour of serving our community”.
“I have also seen the organisation of Council is at its best when we actively partner with our community by listening to them well and working alongside them to champion their potential. A strong Council can only be built on strong citizenship in the community – and the elections serve to emphasise this central truth of our democracy.
“Thank you to my fellow Councillors, my family and ultimately the community for making it possible for me to serve in this role,” concluded Cr Hearn.
Mayor Hearn was congratulated by outgoing Mayor Councillor David Gill who held the position for the previous 12 months.
At the meeting, former Mayor Councillor Gill said the past year has been a wonderful experience and I am proud of our collective achievements because Council helps improve our lives by offering over 500 services and facilities to our community.
“A special thank you to our volunteers including the CFA, Meals on Wheels, Junior Sports Clubs and the other 26,000 volunteers and our Citizens of the year who help make the Peninsula a special place in which to live.
“Thank you for the great community support that I have had as Mayor over the last 12 months,” concluded Cr Gill.
