Bruach Colliton was elected as Southern Grampians Shire mayor for one year at Wednesday's statutory meeting.
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Cr Colliton previously served on council for eight years but retired to be with his family. In his opening address, he highlighted his vision to see Southern Grampians Shire as Australia's most liveable region.
"It's a privilege and an honour to be elected mayor of Southern Grampians," he said.
"COVID-19 is hard but it has helped me to stop and reflect on what really matters which is leading the council well and getting things done. 2020 has been a challenging year, it will go down in history is one of the toughest economic battles for many.
"The current vision of the council is to be a well-connected, dynamic regional centre; supporting a vibrant, healthy community.
"We want to be the best place to live. This is not a simple achievement, there's much to be done and I'm a firm believer in working together to find win-win outcomes in order to make this achievable."
Cr Colliton was elected alongside newly elected councillors, David Robertson and Helen Henry and re-elected councillors Mary-Ann Brown, Albert Calvano, Katrina Rainsford and Greg McAdam.
Cr Robertson was elected to deputy mayor to serve one year.
"I would like to acknowledge the community for voting myself in as councillor and the other six councillors around this table," he said.
"I look forward to supporting the mayor and the next 12 months.
"We have big plans ahead, it certainly is a beautiful place to live and we're looking forward to enhancing that."
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