Eddy Kontelj has been elected as City of Greater Geelong’s deputy mayor to serve alongside older brother and mayor Stretch Kontelj until at least November.
Eddy Kontelj defeated councillor Elise Wilkinson in a vote on Tuesday 3 March following the resignation of Ron Nelson.
He will serve as deputy until November when council will vote on both the mayor and deputy mayor positions.
The Hamlyn Heights Ward councillor has served as a councillor for almost 15 years during two stints from March 2010 to April 2016 and from November 2017 to now.
“To the community, thank you for trusting in me since 2010,” Eddy Kontelj said.
“To represent you at council in this chamber is one of the greatest honours of my life. It’s not something I take lightly. I am extremely proud and will do the best possible job for the community.
“I certainly feel like today I’m in the strongest position I’ve ever been in to take on deputy mayor, both in capacity and capability.
“In those almost 15 years I’ve held almost every portfolio that we have. I’ve worked closely with nine deputy mayors and eight mayors. I’d like to think I’ve been a significant contributor and I’ve learned a lot about civic leadership in that time.”
Eddy Kontelj chairs the Arts & Culture, Hospitality & Live Entertainment portfolio and the Sports & Recreation portfolio.
He represents council on the Geelong Major Events Delegated Committee, the Planning Committee, the Submissions Review Panel and the Geelong Art Gallery board.
