With her family watching on, councillor Gaston won a 4-3 vote, defeating Cr Peter Hulin who was the only other nominee. Cr Michael Neoh did not renominate, ending three consecutive terms. 

She gained the support of Crs Neoh, Jacinta Ermacora, Rob Askew and herself, while Cr Hulin received votes from Crs Brian Kelson, Peter Sycopoulis and himself. 

Cr Gaston, who was nominated by Cr Ermacora, said she was excited to have the honour to serve as the city’s mayor and pledged to work hard and with “great zest”. 

Cr Hulin, who was nominated by Cr Sycopoulis, said he was enthusiastic about working with Cr Gaston and wished her the best. 

“I believe, with you as mayor, the fear of dread I have felt prior to attending meetings in the past will be eliminated,” Cr Hulin said. 

Cr Kelson said it would be strange for him, having only worked under the stewardship of Cr Neoh, and he hoped to see a different style of “mayorship”. 

Cr Sycopoulis said he was glad to see an end to the perpetuity of the mayors job over the past seven years, while Cr Ermacora said councillor Gaston would make Warrnambool proud. 

Cr Askew said Cr Gaston had worked hard to make sure she was involved across the community and said he looked forward to working with her. 

Cr Neoh said he felt one chapter had finished and a new one was beginning and wished Cr Gaston the best. 

EARLIER: COUNCILLOR Kylie Gaston has been elected mayor of Warrnambool at Monday night’s annual meeting of council. 

Cr Gaston was nominated by Cr Jacinta Ermacora while Cr Peter Hulin was nominated by Cr Sycopoulis. 

She won with a 4-3 vote.