BRUCE ALMIGHTY
SACKED, BACK AND NOW READY TO HAVE A CRACK New council makes Harwood mayor again as canny ex-cop pulls off numbers coup
TWO councillors thrown out of office 18 months ago have been chosen to lead the City of Greater Geelong in its new era.
Bruce Harwood was last night elected by his council colleagues as mayor, re- turning to a role he has held on two prior occasions.
He will be supported by fellow former police officer Peter Murrihy, who was chosen in a similar sign of unity as deputy mayor.
The pair squeezed out two other popular candidates.
TWO councillors thrown out of office 18 months ago have been chosen to lead the City of Greater Geelong in its new era.
Bruce Harwood was last night elected by his council colleagues as mayor, returning to a role he has held twice previously.
After four people had expressed an interest in the top job, the incoming councillors publicly voted unanimously to install the Kardinia ward veteran as their leader.
Cr Harwood will be supported by fellow former police officer Peter Murrihy, who was chosen in a similar sign of unity as deputy mayor.
Cr Murrihy had been in office for six months when the State Parliament decided to sack the Geelong council and appoint administrators in April last year.
Two-time mayoral candidate Stephanie Asher (Bellarine) and former Bendigo Bank boss Pat Murnane (Kardinia) had sought the mayor’s pos- ition but will have to bide their time.
Cr Harwood and Cr Murrihy were elected to serve for two years.
It ensures another internal leadership vote will be held before the city’s general election in 2020.
A civic veteran of 13 years, Cr Harwood alluded to the previous council’s controversial end but said the new team was focused on its own era.
“It has been a very interesting period for Geelong politics and the council’s history in recent times,” the mayor said last night.
“But this group has had strong discussions about the future — and it’s where our energies will be directed.”
Cr Harwood forecast a more collegial style of leadership for the city’s top office, saying the views of all 11 councillors would be sought.
“You can tell people are keen to engage, they’re keen to bring their ideas to the table, and we’re really keen to hear and listen to everybody,” he said.
“Everyone will be equal around the table. It’s early days but it’s looking promising.”
With the City of Greater Geelong still working through its major reform program, the State Government has installed monitors Jude Munro and Peter Dorling to oversee the new councillors.
“We’ll work with whatever system’s in place. We’re there to do our role; they have a role and that will be respected,” Cr Harwood said.
The leadership vote followed an official swearing in ceremony, where the 11 councillors pledged to uphold the internal code of conduct.
The Geelong council is now made up of 11 councillors, who represent four wards across the city.