Mayfield Ward Councillor Amanda Stapledon has been elected as the new mayor of the City of Casey for 2018-19, which will be her second term as mayor having also served for the 2012-13 year.
Cr Stapledon was elected unopposed by her fellow councillors at a Special Council Meeting on Monday 29 October, with Crs Timothy Jackson and Rosalie Crestani elected as council’s deputy mayors.
Having served the City of Casey as a councillor for 11 years, Cr Stapledon said she was thrilled and honoured to be elected to serve as mayor again.
“I thank my councillor colleagues for your confidence in electing me to lead over the next 12 months. I work with a great team and know over the coming year we will keep working towards achieving Australia’s most liveable city,” Cr Stapledon said.
“As a parent and a carer for my darling son Pete, I wish to thank him for the inspiration he gives me each day, helping me look beyond our own circumstances, to care about others and advocate for their needs, especially those most disengaged, disadvantaged and those most vulnerable in our community.
“Council’s priorities for the next 12 months will include advocacy, closing the loop on a really successful Commit to Casey initiative and looking at what advocacy is required leading up to the Federal Election.”
Cr Stapledon said, “Economic development and local jobs are key to a healthy and vibrant community, as is addressing our sustainability and environmental issues that we’re facing, and that are facing the pressures of rapid growth.
“Infrastructure and services are always at the top of our list due to the increasing demand of a large and ever-growing population. Cost-savings, partnerships and sponsorships will remain a key focus as we face new challenges that are both complex and exciting.
“My commitment to my fellow councillors and to the residents of Casey are to work hard to support a united and collaborative team of councillors to ensure I can support them to achieve the projects they are passionate about in their ward that will benefit their residents.”
Cr Stapledon said council will continue to carry on the great work that is already underway, led by the outgoing mayor Geoff Ablett and work that is embedded in Casey including the Smart Cities initiative, bringing an A-League soccer team to Casey and extending The Factory.
“I also plan and hope to hold another Walk for Disability to again raise awareness and educate our community about what it is to live with a disability and show support for our carers who work tirelessly to look after their loved ones, most times to the detriment of their own health and wellbeing,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to embracing the challenges ahead and achieving great outcomes for our community.”
Cr Stapledon also acknowledged and thanked outgoing mayor Cr Geoff Ablett for his great work over the past 12 months.
