By Brendan Rees
Casey councillor Susan Serey has become City of Casey’s youngest mayor.
As the newly elected mayor, the 29-year-old has pledged to keep rates down and “focusing on the issues that matter”.
Cr Serey was voted in during a special council meeting on Tuesday 29 October. She will serve as mayor from 2019 to 2020.
The Edrington Ward councillor of seven years said she was humbled to take the reins and was excited for the year ahead.
“No doubt, I will learn a lot more this year, but you can be assured that I will work hard, focus on achieving practical outcomes and foster a strong teamwork so that we can continue delivering for our residents and ratepayers of today, while continuing our work towards creating Australia’s most liveable city for tomorrow,” she said.
Cr Serey, who unsuccessfully ran as a Liberal candidate for the seat of Narre Warren South at the 2018 state election, said she her priorities would be a focus on young people and their families, making Casey a safe and inclusive community, improving transport, boosting the economy, making Casey the most liveable city and “creating a sense of place in our communities”
“As the city’s youngest mayor, it is beholden upon me to give some special focus to Casey’s youth, making sure that our young people have the opportunities needed to grow and develop into healthy, positive, and productive citizens,” Cr Serey said.
“Issues affecting our young people and their families today and, in the future, will continue to be at the forefront of my decision making.
“I am a practical person committed to achieving practical outcomes which can make the lives of our City of Casey residents easier, more productive, more rewarding and more enjoyable.”
She thanked outgoing mayor Amanda Stapledon for “her hard work and making people with disabilities special focus in her community work” and hoped to continue in her footsteps.
The first-time mayor is the youngest mayor since the City of Casey was established in 1994. Supporting Cr Serey during her term will be the two newly elected deputy mayors, councillors Rex Flannery and Gary Rowe.
Cr Flannery was a former member of the Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association, while Cr Rowe, a former police officer, was the Liberal MP for Cranbourne from 1992 to 2002 before being elected to Casey Council in 2012.
In accepting her new position as mayor, Cr Serey thanked those who have provided mentorship and support during her time on council, in particular her fellow ward councillor Tim Jackson and former Casey mayor Mick Morland.
Born to Chilean parents, Cr Serey said she understood the “hardships and aspirations of newer arrivals and multicultural communities”.
“We are indeed very lucky to have the opportunity to live and build new lives in this great country of ours of which I hope our community will continue being very proud,” she said.
