Council elects Mayor Libby Stapleton, welcomes new councillor

Surf Coast Shire Council has elected Cr Libby Stapleton as Mayor for the second year of its four-year term.

Cr Tony Phelps was elected as Deputy Mayor for the same 12-month period.

Mayor Stapleton said she felt so proud to lead the Council for a third time.

“I’m excited to take on this role and work hard with my fellow councillors to get the best outcomes for our community,” she said. “It’s an absolute privilege and opportunity to affect positive change and influence decision making that impacts all of us now and for future generations, which I take very seriously.

“We have a great community to work with and I’m keen to develop effective and positive relationships, with a focus on strong governance while advocating for the needs of our community."

She thanked the community, her fellow councillors and outgoing Mayor Cr Mike Bodsworth for his “steady and considered leadership” and hard work over the past 12 months in leading the newly formed Council.

Cr Phelps said he was honoured to be elected as Deputy Mayor.

“We have a fabulous mix of councillors who bring diverse perspectives, and I look forward to working together,” he said. “Next year is going to be a big year for us. We have a newly adopted Council Plan which will help guide the next four years, plus some key projects like the Anglesea Community Plan, which is community driven, and the Winchelsea Structure Plan.”

Phoebe Crockett sworn in as new Surf Coast Shire councillor

Phoebe Crockett (pictured right) is the Surf Coast Shire’s new councillor for Torquay Ward.

Cr Crockett won a countback conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission last week, as the first of the remaining Torquay Ward candidates from the 2024 local government election to achieve the required quota.

She was sworn in by CEO Robyn Seymour (pictured left) in front of family, friends and fellow councillors during a ceremony in the Council Chambers in Torquay.

Cr Crockett said: “I am delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to serve my community.

“The Surf Coast has given me so much and I’m ready to give back.

“I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors towards a thriving, connected and sustainable Surf Coast.”

Cr Crockett fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Rebecca Bourke in late September and will begin in the role immediately.

She has been elected for the remainder of the current four-year Council term, ending in 2028.