Stretch Kontelj became the City of Greater Geelong’s new mayor this week, returning to the office after 22 years.
Nominated by previous mayor Cr Trent Sullivan and seconded by his brother Cr Eddy Kontelj, the Kardinia Ward councillor was named Geelong’s mayor without a vote after no more nominations were received.
During his acceptance speech Mayor Kontelj spoke about his desire to “make our CBD great again” and ensuring the council focuses on “back to basics”.
“I certainly look forward to working with fellow councillors, it’s a terrific group,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“I’ve been working and thinking about what a 100-day plan could look like.
“Geelong is now the fastest growing city in Australia, but it’s got its challenges. But we will work together and we will look to make the CBD equivalent to what is now this cultural precinct and equivalent to what is the waterfront.
“One message that was very clear to me that was stated throughout the campaign is the community wants the council to focus on… the core basic services that the city is known for.
“The roads, the footpaths, the curbs and drains. It’s not the most sexy of topics, but it’s what keeps the city together.”
Delivering those core services, he said, meant that “significant money needs to be found”.
“Council has currently 130-plus services that we provide, so the task of identifying capacity without reducing service levels will be challenging, but it’ll be necessary,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“With strategic leadership and collaboration with the councillor group, the officers, and the community, I’m sure we can ensure that Geelong continues to thrive, is inclusive and is a competitive and thriving hub.
Mayor Kontelj also shared the story of his parents’ escape from Yugoslavia in the 1950s.
“In 1974 when I first visited Yugoslavia we went into a hotel and I was told, don’t even look at the picture of the president because that will be enough to get you into trouble with the police,” he said.
“We don’t have that situation in Australia, we’re lucky and I believe we should celebrate everything that is great and good about Australia whenever we have the opportunity.”
Mayor Kontelj served Geelong council for 17 years between 1998 and 2015, including terms as mayor from 2001 to 2002 and deputy mayor from 2012 to 2013.
Barrabool Hills Ward councillor Ron Nelson also ran unopposed for the election of deputy mayor, pledging to support Geelong’s new mayor and saying it was time to “get back to work”.
