The Goulburn Mulwaree Council mayor and deputy mayor have clung onto their leadership positions during an election on September 1.
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At an Ordinary Meeting of Goulburn Mulwaree Council mayor Bob Kirk and deputy mayor Peter Walker were re-elected via ordinary ballot for the next 12-months.
The elections occurred after the state government deferred Local Government elections until September 4, 2021. The current term for Goulburn Mulwaree Council was due to conclude in September 2020. As a result councillors were voted in for an additional year.
Mayor Bob Kirk and deputy mayor Peter Walker faced off as the only two candidates nominated for the mayoral position. Cr Kirk received five votes and Cr Walker four.
In an address to councillors Cr Kirk said he was disappointed he was expected to stand up and justify himself to continue the position of mayor.
"It forces me to do a bit of a self appraisal which I am not comfortable with," he said.
"I don't believe I've failed in the capacity [as mayor], I reckon I've over delivered.
"Let's finish what we've started and deliver what we've promised."
Cr Walker also addressed councillors. He said there were no "personal issues" between him and Cr Kirk.
"I feel it is time to put my hand up and let the community and councillors know I'm ready to have a crack [at the mayoral position]," he said.
"Now is not the time for change but an opportunity for some fresh ideas."
Up next on the agenda was election of the deputy mayor. Councillors Leah Ferrara, Peter Walker and Sam Rowland were nominated for the position. Cr Rowland withdrew his nomination during the meeting. Cr Walker held onto his title with five votes, Cr Ferrara was close behind with four.
Cr Ferrara said it had always been her intention to put her hand up for the deputy mayor position.
"I saw this as a opportunity to gain more knowledge and experience for a year," she said.
"One day I would like to represent community as mayor."
The September 2021 Local Government elections will elect a council for three years and then return to the normal four year cycle.
