Maling Ward Councillor Jane Addis has been elected Mayor for the 2021-22 Council year at a live-streamed Council meeting held at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on Monday 22 November 2021.
This will be Cr Addis’ second term as Mayor following her first mayoral term in 2018-2019. Cr Wes Gault has become the Deputy Mayor of Boroondara 12 months after being elected Councillor for the Glenferrie Ward.
As the 26th Mayor of the City of Boroondara, Cr Addis succeeds outgoing Mayor Cr Garry Thompson (Solway Ward), who has led a passionate group of Councillors during a difficult year plagued by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The newly elected Mayor says she is honoured to continue the hard work of her predecessors, colleagues, Council officers and community groups, which ensured Boroondara remained a strong community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cr Addis is equally pleased with the high-level of community engagement throughout 2021 on projects set to commence next year.
“2022 will be an exciting year for Boroondara where we will bring to life plans and policies developed in collaboration with our community,” said Cr Jane Addis. “For example, the Climate Action Plan, with a substantial list of 113 environmental actions, is the third strategy to be adopted by Council in response to climate change; the Boroondara Reconciliation Strategy will formalise Council’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation by providing Council with a 4-year vision for reconciliation in the municipality; while our placemaking projects will help reinvigorate our local economy along with current revitalisation projects.
“I thank Cr Garry Thompson whose leadership over the last 12 months has been empowering for our community. Cr Thompson’s resilience and perseverance has ensured the City of Boroondara remained strong and hopeful for life after lockdown. I thank my colleagues for selecting me as the Mayor for 2021-22 and congratulate Cr Wes Gault for being appointed Deputy Mayor a year after being elected to represent Glenferrie Ward.”
Cr Gault said he is ready to support Cr Addis and continue harnessing the knowledge and dedication of the community on important issues. “I am honoured to be elected Deputy Mayor of Boroondara and eager to commence work with Cr Addis. I am confident we will work together effectively in the interests of the community,” said Cr Gault.
As Mayor, Cr Addis will lead Council’s implementation of major projects in 2021-22, including $80m in capital works projects to meet community expectations and deliver the local economy a significant boost. Some exciting developments include a new community precinct in Canterbury, upgrades to outdoor facilities, and the revitalisation of local shopping districts in Camberwell, Hawthorn and Canterbury.
“Shopping online is not as pleasurable as visiting our local shops and I am very excited to be working with the community to implement the placemaking plans which will reinvigorate our local economy,” said Cr Addis.
“While we have embraced outdoor spaces during lockdowns, we are eager to welcome everyone back to our community centres and neighbourhood houses. The last 2 years have really helped us recognise the value of family, friends, our pets, time with work colleagues, sports teammates, walking in nature and speaking with friends.”
The new Mayor also welcomed Council’s new Committee Chairs:
- Cr Garry Thompson, Chair of the Urban Planning Delegated Committee
- Cr Lisa Hollingsworth, Chair of the Services Delegated Committee.
