Colac Otway Shire Council Elects Cr Kate Hanson Mayor

Published on 16 November 2020

Accountant, sheep producer and mother of two Councillor Kate Hanson has been elected Mayor of Colac Otway Shire Council, bringing four years of Council experience and broad community knowledge to the leadership role for the coming twelve months.

Cr Hanson received unanimous support from the newly elected Council at tonight’s Special Meeting of Colac Otway Shire Council, with Cr Graham Costin elected Deputy Mayor in a unanimous vote.

Cr Hanson said she was honoured to accept the Mayoral position and felt privileged to be leading Colac Otway Shire Council for the next 12 months.

“I have gained a great deal of insight into the role of Council and expectations of our residents and ratepayers during the past four years as a Councillor,” she said.

“I thank our community for re-electing me for a second term to continue delivering projects that enhance our liveability and growth opportunities.

“I would also like to thank my colleagues for their support at tonight’s Mayor Election, and commit to working collaboratively with my fellow Councillors, Council management and staff, community and stakeholders.

“In standing for Council for a second term and now as the Mayor, I commit to strongly advocating with all levels of government for the needs of this community, and promote our Shire as a great place to live, work and raise a family.  

“I know and understand the challenges that our community and Council have faced, particularly this year as we worked together to manage the unprecedented COVID19 situation and State of Emergency.

“There has never been a greater need for Council to deliver reliable, and stable representation as we navigate this pandemic, and beyond, and I will be honoured to lead Colac Otway through the year ahead,” Cr Hanson said.

“I welcome Cr Costin’s election as Deputy Mayor and I am confident we will work well together as we share the common goals of providing sound leadership to the Colac Otway community, through well-considered, strategic direction and decision making.”

Cr Costin, a retired Skenes Creek resident and father of three, is one of three new Councillors elected at the recent election.

Cr Costin has a career background in local government engineering and environmental science, has been a ratepayer for more than 40 years, and is looking forward to supporting Cr Hanson as Mayor for the next 12 months.

“I believe the Council has made an excellent decision to elect Cr Hanson as Mayor and I am very honoured to serve as her deputy,” Cr Costin said.

“The Council has many challenges ahead as we move into the post-COVID recovery and I look forward to being part of a strong team to support our residents and ratepayers across Colac Otway Shire.”