Councillor John Dumaresq elected Mayor for Nillumbik

Published on 28 November 2024

A new Mayor and Deputy Mayor were elected to lead the first year of the new Council term following a unanimous vote at an Extraordinary Council Meeting this week.

Newly-elected Mayor and Wingrove Ward Councillor John Dumaresq returns to Council after representing Edendale Ward from 2016 to 2020. He lives in Eltham with his family and has been an active volunteer in local community organisations.

Cr Dumaresq thanked his fellow councillors for their trust and support in electing him.

“Together we’ll make Nillumbik one of the most liveable shires in the world and will continue to focus on sustainability, connectivity and community wellbeing,” Cr Dumaresq said.

“I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and staff as Mayor for the next year on a range of projects, including preparation of our Council Plan, a process I encourage our community to participate in when engagement begins early next year.”

Bunjil Ward Councillor Naomi Joiner was elected Deputy Mayor in her first year on Council. Along with a fresh perspective, Cr Joiner has extensive experience working in government and has been an active member on a number of community committees.

Cr Joiner said she was looking forward to working alongside the Mayor over the next year, and bringing the councillors’ hopes to life for years to come.

“I’m optimistic that as councillors, we can better connect, better support, better educate and live a better life here in Nillumbik,” Cr Joiner said.

Nillumbik Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Carl Cowie said he was looking forward to working closely with the newly formed group to deliver long-term benefits for the community.

“There is significant work to do over the next few years - in biodiversity, sustainable transport, protecting the urban tree canopy, and balancing the Victorian Government’s housing targets with Nillumbik’s unique character,” he said.

The councillors appointed Councillor Peter Perkins to act as Chairperson for planning matters and Councillor Grant Brooker to act as Chairperson for consultation matters before the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2024-25 year.

The councillors also endorsed the Council meeting dates for 2024-25.

Read about the Councillors for each ward or check the meeting schedules.