Golden Plains Shire Council has elected Cr Owen Sharkey as its new Mayor.
The election was required after Sarah Hayden resigned the mayoralty last week, and following a period of instability which included the resignation of former mayor Brett Cunningham.
A countback to fill his position on the council has been set for Wednesday 11th June.
Cr Sharkey noted the impact of destructive media commentary on Cr Hayden’s mayoralty, much of it from anonymous posters.
He said the issue had also impacted the wellbeing of councillors more generally at Golden Plains and across the wider local government sector.
Cr Sharkey also thanked Cr Helena Kirby for her work as Acting Mayor over the last few weeks.