By Luke Voogt
Democracy has returned to Geelong with the Victorian Electoral Commission officially declaring the city’s new councillors on Monday.
The election saw the highest voter turnout since 2004 with just under 80 per cent of the city’s residents casting a ballot.
Nine of the 11 councillors attended City Hall for the official declaration, including four who returned to office after the State Government sacking of council in 2016.
One of the four, Peter Murrihy, has declared his intent to stand for mayor when council meets to elect their leader next Tuesday.
Mr Murrihy said “terrific” friendship amongst the new group of councillors would help them “get on with the job“.
New Bellarine Ward councillor Stephanie Asher, who was in Los Angeles during the declaration, has emerged as another mayoral contender.
Ms Asher secured more than a quarter of first preferences in the Bellarine Ward, following unsuccessful mayoral and Federal bids.
Ms Asher ran as an independent for mayor in 2013 and came second to Darryn Lyons, after standing in the Federal and State Elections.
Springdale Neighbourhood Centre coordinator Anne Brackley had the second highest primary vote in the ward.
But ALP member and humanitarian Jim Mason and Geelong Regional Young Liberals president Trent Sullivan edged her out after preferences.
Former Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood and former councillor Ron Nelson placed first and second in Kardinia Ward, while newcomer Pat Murnane polled third.
Mr Nelson declared he had no interest in running for mayor on Monday.
Mr Harwood remained tight-lipped, despite stating he would rather the “supporting role” of deputy than mayor earlier this year.
Anthony Aitkin dominated the first preferences in Windermere with 30.9 per cent of the vote.
Kylie Grzybek joined Mr Aitkin as the second of two councillors in Geelong’s largest but least populated ward.
The pair spoke at City Hall as a “team” on Monday, after declaring an alliance in August alongside David Withington, who polled third.
Former councillors Eddy Kontelj and Peter Murrihy returned to office, alongside Greens candidate Sarah Mansfield in the Bronwbill Ward.
Mr Kontelj stated on Monday he was not interested in running for mayor.
