What does the City of Whittlesea Mayor do?

The Mayor of Whittlesea in the council office

Serving You as Mayor of the City of Whittlesea. What Does a Mayor Actually Do?

One of the questions I am often asked is, “What exactly does the Mayor do?” Well, the role goes far beyond attending events or making speeches;

The Mayor in a Victorian local council holds a formal leadership role, as prescribed in the Local Government Act 2020 (Vic), with clear responsibilities to provide direction, support good governance, and represent the interests of all residents. For me, this isn’t just a position it’s a daily commitment to our community of the City of Whittlesea.

As Mayor, my foremost responsibility is to provide leadership to our Council. This means bringing together all Councillors to work as a cohesive council of professionals, ensuring our decisions reflect the best interests of the community. I guide our collective focus on strategic planning, good governance, and shared priorities, ensuring we deliver outcomes that matter to you.

I also act as the principal spokesperson for the City of Whittlesea. Whether advocating to state or federal governments, speaking with the media, or addressing local groups and stakeholders. I serve on several key committees, represent community concerns and ensure the needs of our city are heard and respected beyond our municipality.

Another important part of my role is to chair Council meetings, where we make decisions on policies, budgets, planning matters, and community initiatives. I ensure these meetings are run fairly and respectfully, with open discussion and proper governance procedures.

In addition, I proudly attend many civic and ceremonial events, from citizenship ceremonies, club and small business visits to local celebrations, and memorials. These moments are about recognising the contributions of individuals and groups and staying connected to and engaged with the community we serve.

During times of emergency or crisis, the Mayor provides visible leadership and stability. I work closely with our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), emergency services and community organisations to support local response efforts and keep residents informed and reassured.

Behind the scenes, I also work closely with our CEO and our highly professional senior council officers to help guide the implementation of council decisions and ensure our organisation operates with professionalism, transparency, and community focus.

Ultimately, being Mayor is about serving you, being present, accessible, and responsive to your concerns. It is about leading with integrity, advocating with purpose, and helping shape a future that reflects the values and aspirations of everyone in the City of Whittlesea.

It is a privilege to serve as the Mayor of the City of Whittlesea, and I remain committed to leading by example, with fairness, vision, and genuine care for our community.