Thursday, 28 November 2024

 Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (10:26): I would like to congratulate the new mayor of Ballarat Cr Tracey Hargreaves on her election, with Cr Ben Taylor as the new deputy. A new, more positive approach will be exactly what Ballarat needs. My congratulations also extend to Cr Stretch Kontelj, the new mayor of Geelong, and his deputy Cr Ron Nelson. Both have a strong commitment to Geelong and will drive the direction of the city into good areas. Congratulations to Cr Tanya Kehoe of Pyrenees shire on her re-election as mayor – she is an amazing advocate – and Cr Paul Tatchell, the mayor of Moorabool shire, and his deputy Cr Rod Ward on their election as well. Both are passionate locals and proud country men. I congratulate Cr Jo Armstrong as mayor of Ararat and Cr Bob Sanders as deputy of the rural city, a dynamic duo who will drive Ararat forward in leaps and bounds. Cr Sarah Hayden is the new mayor of Golden Plains. Well done, Sarah, and congratulations on your commitment to Golden Plains as well. Cr Jason Schram is mayor of Colac Otway shire and Cr Phil Howard is deputy mayor. I worked with Jason, as we were mayor and deputy mayor for each other. I wish him and his team all the very best for the future. Also to Cr Grace La Vella as mayor of Central Goldfields and Cr Ben Green as deputy mayor of Central Goldfields. We are in very good hands with Central Goldfields shire. To all councillors and mayors and deputy mayors in western Victoria, congratulations on your election, and I wish you all the very best for your four-year term ahead.