Trent Sullivan is Geelong’s new mayor.
Councillor Sullivan was elected unopposed on Tuesday night and becomes the 15th mayor since the amalgamated City of Greater Geelong was formed in 1995.
The former deputy mayor replaces Peter Murrihy who was in the top job for five months replacing Stephanie Asher, who stood down as mayor shortly after an unsuccessful campaign as the Liberal candidate for the federal seat of Corangamite.
A resident of Portarlington, Cr Sullivan said he was honoured to be elected as mayor.
“The position of mayor is one among equals, and it’s how I intend to approach the role,” he said.
Mayor Sullivan has represented the Bellarine Ward since he was first elected to the Council in 2017.
He has served as deputy mayor since November 2020, while chairing the Bellarine Multi Arts Facility (Potato Shed), Creative Communities & Culture portfolio and Tourism portfolio.
Cr Anthony Aitken, from the Windermere Ward, was elected unopposed as deputy mayor.
Councillors Sullivan and Aitken will lead the Council until the scheduled Victorian local government elections in October 2024.
Mayor Sullivan thanked outgoing Cr Murrihy for his leadership over the past five months, and also praised Cr Asher for assisting him during her term as mayor.
“I look forward to working with a proven and capable deputy, Anthony Aitken, and all of my fellow councillors over this period,” he said.
“There are a lot of challenges that our organisation and our community faces.
“But every challenge is an opportunity to improve how we operate, and how we meet the needs of our community.
“Our duty and our purpose is to provide the services and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for all members of our community.”
