Cr Driscoll elected Mount Alexander Shire Council Mayor
Published on 22 November 2023
Cr Matthew Driscoll is the new Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council, after being elected by Councillors for a one-year term at the November meeting of Council.
Cr Driscoll, who represents the Loddon River Ward, was elected to Council in October 2020 and most recently served as Deputy Mayor for the 2022/2023 term.
Cr Rosie Annear, who represents the Castlemaine Ward, was elected Deputy Mayor for the 2023/2024 term. Cr Annear also joined Council in October 2020.
Mayor Driscoll gave a heartfelt speech at last night’s meeting, thanking his fellow Councillors, Council’s Executive team, Council staff and his family for their support.
“It is an honour to accept the role of Mayor, and I look forward to carrying out this role with integrity and enthusiasm,” said Mayor Driscoll.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for supporting me thus far, and of course Rosie in particular, who has filled the role so well over the past twelve months.
“As a team, I believe this Council has worked towards great things, and I would like to keep up that same momentum as we approach our final term in office.
“I’d like to thank the Mount Alexander Shire Council team, who under the leadership of Darren Fuzzard, work incredibly hard providing tons of support to all Councillors and assist us in navigating the often tricky waters of local government legislation and protocols.
“Last but not least, thank you to my amazing family, who know how to support me, encourage and guide me, and how to bring me down a peg or two when I need it.
“My start in life was violent and confusing; we were often homeless and usually poor. I have been very fortunate to break out of a violent poverty cycle, and so working towards easing a housing crisis has become my passion.
“I want to advocate for people within our community who feel that their voice is not heard, and work towards further strengthening community ties where we can all be kinder to one another,” said Mayor Driscoll.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Rosie Annear, thanked everyone who helped and supported her during her one-year term as Mayor.
“Thank you to our community, you are a joy to represent, and to be a part of,” said Deputy Mayor Annear.
“I have been so proud to be Mayor of our shire this year. It has been a real honour.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council is comprised of seven Councillors elected by residents and ratepayers from five wards. Castlemaine Ward has three Councillors, and Calder, Coliban, Loddon and Tarrengower Wards each have one Councillor.
The current Council was elected in October 2020 and took office in November 2020.
To find out more about Council visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/CouncilInformation.