THE City of Whittlesea will be hoping for a more harmonious period after years of turmoil, appointing councillor Martin Taylor as Mayor unopposed on Thursday night in an unscheduled council meeting.
The vote was held on Thursday night in line with section 26 (6) of the Local Government Act, which stipulates that a Mayor must be elected within one month after any vacancy in the office of Mayor.
With elected Mayor Councillor Aidan McLindon suspended by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos on April 16, the City of Whittlesea acted on the suspension by holding their vote.
Cr Taylor will now serve until the conclusion of the term on November 18.
Cr Taylor said he hoped that the council would move on from the events of the last six months and look to deliver for all residents.
“It’s with great honour and humility that I accept the honour of serving the City of Whittlesea,” he said on Thursday night.
“To my fellow councillors, thank you for the trust in confidence, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this council through what will be, no doubt, a defining time for our city.
“I recognise the responsibility that the role carries, and I approach it with clear commitment to serve all, to unify our diverse voice and to deliver outcomes that strengthen our communities.
“To the people of the City of Whittlesea, thank you. This city belongs to you. Our role, as your elected council, is to be custodians of your hopes, your needs, your aspirations, and I commit to leading with integrity, accessibility, fairness and good governance, always placing your interests at the centre of every decision.
“It’s time for a new beginning; it’s time to rise above the challenges of the last six months and to embrace a shared vision for the future.”
Councillor Daniella Zinni, who was elected as deputy mayor, continues in her role.
The new leadership comes as Mr Staikos announced a commission of inquiry into the City of Whittlesea following Mr McLindon’s suspension.
Mr McLindon will cease to be a councillor during his period of suspension and must not perform any duties or exercise the power of a councillor, which includes attendance at council meetings or attending council premises.
The independent inquiry will also allow a detailed examination of the way the City of Whittlesea is run, which will encompass good governance and addressing legislative, regulatory or other reforms which may be needed to address issues which have emerged since the October 2024 elections.
While the inquiry is ongoing, the City of Whittlesea will operate as usual.
Previously, the City of Whittlesea saw their council sacked in 2020, with serious governance failures, including the appointment of five chief executive officers in five years, identified by the municipal monitor.
Administrators had since operated in the City of Whittlesea until last year’s general election.
Mr McLindon is eligible to return to his role of Councillor from October 17.
