Councillor Darren Howe has been elected as the new Mayor of Latrobe City Council and Councillor Tracie Lund as the Deputy Mayor,.
In accordance with the Local Government Act 2020, Councillors put forward nominations for Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor will serve in these roles until October 2024, ahead of the 2024 Local Government elections.
Councillor Howe has been an East Ward Councillor since 2016 and has previously served as Deputy Mayor.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Howe said it will be an honour to serve as Mayor and support the ongoing delivery of the Council Plan and Community Vision.
“Thank you to my Councillor colleagues for putting their confidence in me to lead Council for the coming year. I look forward to continuing Council’s advocacy work and working closely with the community in 2024,” said the Mayor.
“This is a critical time for Latrobe City as we face the challenges and opportunities of economic transition. We are committed to supporting the community and the long-term prosperity and liveability of our City.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Mayor Cr Kellie O’Callaghan and Deputy Mayor Cr Dan Clancey for their outstanding efforts over the last year. They have been integral in their ambassadorship in our strength-led approach to supporting economic transition including the launch of our community informed Our Transition plan.
“They have played a pivotal leadership role in advocating for both public and private investment that align with our community's aspirations, opening doors to future opportunities and have also participated in state, national and international delegations seeking future investment and job creation in Latrobe City, with a focus on opportunities in the new energy.”
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lund welcomed the opportunity to take on this role.
“I am privileged to have been elected to the position of Deputy Mayor. I am steadfast in upholding the values of compassion and inclusion and am committed to working closely with the Mayor and my fellow Councillors to strive to create a Latrobe City that is welcoming, equitable and prosperous for all.