Councillor Rosie Annear, a representative of Castlemaine Ward, was unanimously voted in as the new mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) during Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
The 31-year-old is the youngest mayor to be appointed since the amalgamation of the shires. She is following in the footsteps of the departing mayor, Cr Bill Maltby who, at the age of just 26, was the youngest mayor of Castlemaine.
Elected to the council only two years earlier Mayor Annear has earnt the trust and respect of her fellow councillors with her dedicated and earnest approach.
“It’s such a huge honour to be the mayor of Mount Alexander Shire,” she said.
“I ran for council two years ago for two reasons. One; because I wanted people to know that anyone could do it, that you don’t need to be anything other than what you are to have your voice heard. And two; because I wanted to give back to the community, that held me at my best and worst, in the place I’ve called home almost my entire life,” Mayor Annear said.
“I’m excited and ready for the next year. Thank you for putting your faith in me and giving me the chance to be mayor in our premiership quarter. Let’s kick some goals together.”
Cr Gary McClure expressed his confidence that Mayor Annear would do a great job, with her youth bringing a lot to the table.
Cr Stephen Gardner wiped tears from his eyes as he congratulated Mayor Annear, stating that she will be a great role model.
“It’s really good to see you in the chair,” Cr Christine Henderson said. “It’s terrific that we’ve got someone under the age of 50, never mind 40. We’re really lucky to have you, especially with your life experience. It’s good to have a woman in the seat again. I look forward to your leadership.”
Representative of the Loddon River Ward, Cr Matthew Driscoll, was appointed as deputy mayor after a unanimous vote and a motion was passed for a one-year Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral term.
“I want to say thanks to the people that voted for me a few years ago. I’m doing the best I can,” Cr Driscoll said.
MASC CEO Darren Fuzzard told the Mail that he wants to encourage more young people to join the council, and with an election in two years’ time, he suggests people start thinking about it now.
“You don’t need to be retired to join the council; people of all ages can join,” Mr Fuzzard said.
During her speech Mayor Annear said the council can get a bad rap at times, but that she had only seen amazing, passionate people doing their best for the community.
“I’m going to continue to work hard to be the best mayor that I can be. It might look a little different on me, but I am a little different, so that’s okay. Now, more than ever, diversity and representation matter and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that diversity, even a bit.”