By NATALIE GALLENTI
KATHY Majdlik is the City of Melton’s new mayor.
The Cambridge Ward councillor was elected in front of a packed gallery last Thursday night and said she was “humbled” by the honour.
Coburn Ward councillor Bob Turner was elected deputy mayor.
However the council was split on both appointments with councillors Carli and Borg nominating Cr Sophie Ramsey as mayor and Cr Nola Dunn as deputy mayor.
Both councillors declined the nominations stating they would like to spend the next 12 months focusing on their particular ward.
Councillors Renata Cugliari, Majdlik, Turner, Dunn, and Ramsey all voted in favour of the city’s newest mayor and her deputy.
In a touching acceptance speech, Cr Majdlik thanked her husband Andrew for his unconditional support and her daughter Amy, who she described as the “joy of my life”.
She also spoke emotionally about her brother, sisters, and her late parents.
“To be a great leader you must have the heart of a servant because to lead you must serve first,” she said to the packed house.
“I will not take the position lightly or for granted and will ensure the council is represented well.
“I will not stifle healthy debate and will ensure the views of all councillors are respected.”
Cr Majdlik assured the constituents of Melton that her door would always be open and she would always be available to offer support and advice.
She said it was essential that the fast growing municipality began to “think outside of the box” and became leaders in innovation.
In accepting his position as deputy mayor Cr Turner said the next four years would be “interesting” with a good mix of people representing the area.
He said it was important each councillor voted independently.
At the meeting all councillors were sworn in, with Cr Dunn receiving the loudest applause as some members of the gallery broke into a chant.
Cr Dunn ran her election on the importance of transparency within the council and listening to the views of all residents – both rural and urban.
In other business the council adopted the annual councillor allowance of $29,259 and mayoral allowance of $93,457.
