Cardinia elects Owen as mayor for the fourth time
Gobel returned as Mayor of Wodonga
Townsville’s new mayor sworn-in
Greater Bendigo by-election set for March
Tweed tourism services to be brought in-house
Long term Break O’Day councillor resigns
Frankston housing initiatives include Victorian first
Camden and Leeton AR Bluett award winners
Cardinia Shire Council has tonight elected Cr Brett Owen as its Mayor for the forthcoming 12 months.
It’s the fourth time Cr Owen will serve as Mayor since being elected to the council in 2005.
Cr Liz Roberts, a first term councillor, is the new deputy mayor.
Cr Michael Gobel has been re-elected as Mayor of Wodonga City Council, in a contest with recently returned councillor and former mayor Ron Mildren.
Cr Gobel received four votes to secure the mayoralty for a second consecutive year.
Cr Libby Hall as elected Deputy Mayor in a two-way vote with incumbent deputy Cr Michelle Cowan.
Nick Dametto has been sworn in as Townsville’s 48th Mayor following his victory in the recent by-election.
The former Member for Hinchinbrook took the declaration of office today in a special Council meeting.
Dametto won the postal vote completed on November 15, with the Electoral Commission officially declaring him Mayor Elect on November 19.
The new Mayor says he has just two years to deliver what most would be afforded four, promising to fast-track policies and projects to bring pride and prosperity back to Townsville.
A by-election will be held in March 2026 for Greater Bendigo City Council‘s Lockwood Ward following the resignation of Cr John McIlrath.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel says residents must enrol by 4pm on January 14th to vote in the postal election.
Around 10,000 Victorians are enrolled in the ward, which includes West Bendigo, Maiden Gully, and Lockwood.
Voting is compulsory for all enrolled residents.
Tweed Shire Council has voted to bring tourism services in-house when the current contract with DR Tourism ends in September 2026.
The annual $1.06 million investment will maintain current service levels but with greater alignment across Council departments.
DR Tourism has been commended for seven years of award-winning work during challenging times.
Key events like Savour the Tweed will continue under the new model.
Break O’Day Council has bid farewell to Councillor Janet Drummond after more than eleven years of dedicated service.
First elected in 2014, Drummond has been a tireless advocate for the Fingal Valley and vulnerable community members.
She championed women’s representation, youth services, and accessibility initiatives throughout her tenure.
Mayor Mick Tucker praised her compassion and strength, saying her contribution made a real difference to many lives.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission will advise on filling the vacancy.
Frankston City Council is introducing two major housing initiatives to boost development and affordability.
From February, major developments will get fast-tracked approvals in just 16 weeks.
From July 2026, first-home buyers will receive a $1,000 subsidy – a Victorian first at local government level.
The council aims to deliver 33,000 new homes by 2051 as the population grows beyond 150,000.
Camden Council and Leeton Shire Council have claimed the 2025 AR Bluett Memorial Award, the highest honour in NSW local government.
Camden took the metropolitan category while Leeton won the regional division.
Judges praised both councils for their clarity, innovation and genuine community partnerships.
The award, established in 1945, recognises exceptional leadership and service delivery.
Local Government NSW President Phyllis Miller says it celebrates councils that go above and beyond for their communities.