She will also advocate for funding for stage two of the Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment and the $300 million Murray Goulburn development at Koroit to proceed.

Mike Neoh, Sue Cassidy, David Owen, Peter Hulin, Tony Herbert and Robert Anderson were officially sworn in to office at a special meeting of council on Monday night.

Cr Gaston was the only nomination for mayor, despite Cr Hulin indicating his interest last week. 

He congratulated Cr Gaston and said he decided not to put his hand up after it was clear Cr Gaston would take the top job.

“I think it is critical to have united and strong support for the mayor,” he said.

During Cr Gaston’s acceptance speech, she congratulated her fellow councillors on their election and said there was “a great mix of characters, with diverse backgrounds representing a broad cross section of the whole community.”

“Many strengths are being brought to this table and there is a real sense of energy and wanting to achieve, (which is) quite apparent amongst us,” Cr Gaston said.

“We are all united by our excitement and passion for Warrnambool and although we shall bring a diversity of opinion, we are all very determined to achieve goals for our city.  And as I stand here as your newly elected mayor, I am very humbled and thankful for the full support of the council and thank them sincerely for their kind words of encouragement.”

She said the council was entering the critical phase of the city centre renewal project after four years of planning and consultation.

“We will continue to advocate strongly for funding of stage two of the hospital (redevelopment) to address our growing need for expanded emergency and surgical facilities for our entire region,” she said. “We shall also advocate and encourage the state government to ensure that the proposed $300 million Murray Goulburn development proceeds as we support our neighbour, Moyne Shire.”

She said tourism was vital to the region. She welcomed Deakin University’s renewed commitment. She acknowledged Warrnambool as a sporting city and said upgrades to Reid Oval were well overdue. 

“We need to advocate strongly for considerable investment,” she said.

Cr Gaston told the packed gallery she was “very confident that the team before you is prepared to work hard and passionately on the issues before us.”

EARLIER: Warrnambool’s next civic leader will be a familiar face.

At this evening’s special council meeting Cr Peter Hulin, who has been our acting mayor previously, and immediate previous mayor Cr Kylie Gaston, will go head-to-head for the top job.

All seven councillors-elect also will be officially sworn in.

Cr Hulin said residents wanted a fresh approach, while Cr Gaston said she would love to serve the city for another year.

A poll on The Standard’s website asked readers ‘Who should be Warrnambool's next mayor?’

OCTOBER 30: Three councillors from the previous term have missed out on a seat in the Warrnambool City Council chamber.