*This is an edited version of the speech mayor Trent Sullivan made after being elected on Tuesday night.
Firstly I would like to thank the outgoing mayor Peter Murrihy for his service to this office.
The office of mayor is no light duty to undertake, and he performed this with respect and great zeal for the position.
I would also like to thank former mayor Stephanie Asher, who I had the honour of being deputy mayor with for quite a period. I will always value what I learnt through that time.
I would also like to thank my fellow councillors, for electing me to this position of leadership.
Whilst indeed a leader, the position of mayor, I believe, has always been one among equals, and that is how I intend to approach this period going forward.
I would also like to thank my family who are here today, for their attendance. It means a lot.
I would also like to thank all the staff of the City of Greater Geelong.
They do an amazing job, day in and day out, particularly now as we deal with the impact of floods and the repairs to roads, footpaths, waterways and all areas of our community. They are working tirelessly to make sure these areas are safe, once again.
To the road ahead. We all understand the economic environment we are operating in.
Inflation is rising, cost of goods and services is increasing.
These are not small challenges, but every challenge is an opportunity.
An opportunity to improve how we run as an organisation, how we operate, and how we rise to meet the growing needs of our community.
The duties and responsibilities of local government are constantly expanding.
From filling in potholes and collecting rubbish, to implementing drone mapping and fostering international collaboration.
These are all items of importance, but the challenge of operating under restrictive circumstances, also present us with the opportunity of re-assessing our base, of analysing and reinforcing the foundation of council.
To make sure that our bedrock is strong, so that our services and infrastructure can continue to flourish.
The community is facing many of these challenges at the same time.
No-one is immune from the rising cost of living.
It is our duty, and our purpose, to provide infrastructure and services which improve the quality of life of all those in the community – not just at this time, but for future generations.
We, as councillors, are but temporary stewards of the City of Greater Geelong.
Our job is a simple one. That is inch by inch, day by day, year by year, we leave the city better than when we found it.
And I have no doubt that all councillors, and everyone employed by the City of Greater Geelong, shares this purpose.
This is a Council that is driven to get on with the job and get things done.
I am honoured to be elected to this position, and to do my part.
I am looking forward to the journey ahead, to working with a proven and capable deputy mayor, Anthony Aitken, and every councillor.
This is a fine Council of proactive community members, and it is for each and every community member, that we do serve.
