Ebbels is re-elected as mayor

THE Borough of Queenscliffe will again be led by a familiar face, with Mayor Ross Ebbels retaining his position uncontested during Wednesday’s council meeting.

Cr Ebbels was elected for a 12-month term, which will be his third consecutive stint as mayor.

First-term councillor Fleur Hewitt was elected to serve alongside Cr Ebbels as deputy.

In 2020, the borough chose not to elect a deputy mayor, with former councillor Boyce Pizzey the last serving deputy of the borough, in 2019.

“I am thrilled to have been appointed by the council to the position of deputy mayor of the borough,” Cr Hewitt said.

“I can’t wait to support the mayor as we move into a busy and exciting 2022.”

During Wednesday’s meeting, Cr Hewitt also thanked Cr Ebbels for his leadership.

“I look forward to Mr Ebbels having the hand on the wheel for 2022, we are lucky to have him,” she said.

Cr Ebbels said it was a “great honour” to be reappointed as mayor.

“I look forward to the next 12 months … we have been thrown a few challenges, but we are fighting the fight,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working with councillors, officers and our community as we chart a course for recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

“I have looked back on what I said this time last year after one week together and it has exceeded my expectations.

“I know this will continue for the next three years.”

Councillors were also elected to portfolios, with Cr Donnie Grigau elected to health and wellbeing, Cr Michael Grout to heritage, planning and infrastructure and Cr Susan Salter to governance and finance.

Cr Ebbels was elected to the local economy portfolio and Cr Hewitt to environment.