Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has appointed its new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the upcoming year.
Councillor Simon Brooks has been elected as Mayor and Councillor Antonella Celi as Deputy Mayor for the coming year.
Appointed at yesterday’s Annual Council Meeting in Rosebud, Mayor Brooks is a second term Councillor having represented the Seawinds Ward from 2016-2020 and from 2023 onwards.
With a background in building and design, and five years as a councillor, Mayor Brooks brings a wealth of knowledge about the Shire to the role, and is committed to driving positive change, particularly through a future-proofed Mornington Peninsula that is agile and sustainable.
Outgoing Mayor, Cr Steve Holland, and Deputy Mayor, Cr Debra Mar, both spoke at the meeting, reflecting on the past year. They expressed their gratitude for the support of their fellow Councillors, Shire staff and the Mornington Peninsula community.
Cr Brooks said that he is honoured to receive the support of his fellow councillors, thanking them for entrusting him in his new role.
“This is one of the highlights of my career, representing my home, friends, family, colleagues and the entire Mornington Peninsula community. I do not take this opportunity lightly and will not lose sight of my vision to continue improving the Shire for current and future generations,” Cr Brooks said.
“Congratulations to Cr Antonella Celi on her appointment to Deputy Mayor. I look forward to working closely with Cr Celi over what I’m sure will be an exciting 12 months.
“I am grateful to follow the impressive work of the outgoing Mayor Cr Steve Holland and Deputy Mayor Cr Debra Mar. The work they have accomplished in the past 12 months must be congratulated.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council CEO, John Baker, said, “From all of us here at the Shire, I extend my congratulations to Crs Brooks and Celi on their successful appointments. We are excited to work with both of them and their fellow Councillors in the final term of this council. We’re looking forward to achieving great things in 2024 for our community.
“I would also like to extend warm thanks and congratulations to our outgoing Mayor Cr Holland and Deputy Mayor Cr Mar. It has been a pleasure to work with them both over the past 12 months.”
Featured image: Mayor Councillor Simon Brooks and Deputy Mayor Councillor Antonella Celi. Image courtesy of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
