Phoebe Crockett is officially the new Torquay Ward councillor for the Surf Coast Shire after she was sworn into the role this week.
The Greens-aligned councillor was sworn into council by Surf Coast Shire Council chief executive Robyn Seymour in council chambers in front of family, friends and fellow councillors on 11 November.
Cr Crockett said she was excited to take on the new role for the remainder of the current four-year council term, which will end in 2028.
“I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors towards a thriving, connected and sustainable Surf Coast,” she said.
“I am delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to serve my community as the Surf Coast has given me so much and I’m ready to give back.”
Cr Crockett began her new role immediately after filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Rebecca Bourke in late September, joining fellow Torquay Ward councillors Liz Pattison and Paul Barker.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth said he welcomed Cr Crockett to council and looked forward to working with her in the future.
“Congratulations to Phoebe on winning the VEC countback and with it, the honour of serving the people of the Torquay Ward and the broader Surf Coast Shire,” he said.
“We look forward to having Phoebe around the Council table to put forward ideas and contribute to our decision-making, as we work together to achieve the best outcomes for our community.”
The swearing-in ceremony involved Cr Crockett taking a formal oath that she would perform her duties as a councillor with loyalty and honesty.
Cr Crockett was declared as the successfully elected candidate on 6 November for the position following a second Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) countback, beating former Surf Coast Shire councillor Martin Duke.
Eric Menogue was originally elected for the position during the first countback on 28 October, but did not return a written declaration to the VEC within the allocated 48-hour timeframe.
