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Council elects new mayor and deputy mayor

Councillor Sharon Gibson is the new Mayor of Latrobe City

By Portal Admin - 30th November 2020 - Back to News

Councillor Sharon Gibson is the new Mayor of Latrobe City Council after the mayoral election was held at the Council Chamber in Morwell on Friday evening. Cr Darren Howe was elected Deputy Mayor. The duo will lead the new council following the recent Local Government election.

Councillor Sharon Gibson, as the new mayor of Latrobe City and Cr Darren Howe, elected as new deputy mayor of Latrobe City

Recovering from the pandemic impacts

Cr Gibson has been a West Ward Councillor since December 2008, and served as Mayor from November 2013 to October 2014. She was Deputy Mayor three consecutive times. "I’m honoured to be given the confidence of my colleagues to lead Council for the next 12 months. As Mayor, it is not about the title; it is about the community," Cr Gibson said.

"This will be a critical time as Council works with the community to recover from the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic." Cr Gibson said the community had endured a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Council will continue its support of the community and business sectors as we move into COVID-Normal," she said.

Continuing the advocacy

Cr Gibson promised to continue council’s advocacy work to position Latrobe City as a regional city alongside Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo. "We need to be a strong voice in Spring Street and in Canberra because without that we won’t get anything," she said.

Cr Gibson also pledged to drive a strong, unified voice across Latrobe City. "United this community stands; divided we don’t," she said. High on her list of projects is the planning and construction of the Moe Rail Precinct Revitalisation Stage 2 and the Kernot Hall upgrade in Morwell.

Council working with community

Cr Howe, an East Ward Councillor, joined Council in November 2016 and served as Deputy Mayor in 2018/19. Latrobe City Council Chief Executive Officer Steven Piasente welcomed Cr Gibson and Cr Howe, and is looking forward to a productive working relationship for the betterment of all residents and businesses of Latrobe City.

"The Council works with the community to set the agenda for the organisation, while I as the Chief Executive Officer, work with the Council to implement its policies across the organisation, drawing on the expertise of our staff to advise Councillors in their role, the election of a new Council is a chance to continue on the good work of the previous council while bringing a fresh vision that respects the community’s aspirations for their City." Mr Piasente said.

Cr Kellie O’Callaghan was the only other candidate for the mayoral role. Immediate past Mayor, Cr Dan Clancey, also stood for the role of Deputy Mayor. The first Ordinary Council Meeting for the new Council will be on 7 December 2020.

Pictures from Latrobe City Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Construction begins on Warragul’s $30M Library and Learning Centre, delivering new community, cultural and co-working spaces by 2028
  Construction has begun on Warragul’s $30 million Library and Learning Centre, featuring library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, with opening planned for early 2028.
• Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
  Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections.
• Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates major $45M redevelopment and new regional sporting facilities
  Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates a $45 million redevelopment, featuring five playing surfaces, 1,200 seats, upgraded facilities and new event spaces.
• Baw Baw Shire endorses revised Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation and build trust in council decisions
  Baw Baw Shire councillors have unanimously endorsed a revised Community Engagement Policy, aiming to strengthen community participation, ensure meaningful feedback and build greater trust in Council’s decision-making processes.
• Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.
• Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
  The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.
• Melina Bath condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, with Victoria recording nearly twice New South Wales' victims
  Melina Bath has condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, citing Victoria's high theft rate and major increases across eastern Victoria, while calling for more police, stronger bail laws and tougher sentencing.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
  Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026.
• Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours.
• Latrobe City completes major lighting upgrade across all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve, boosting netball opportunities
  Latrobe City Council has upgraded all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve with 200-lux lighting, enabling extended evening use, expanded competitions and training for Traralgon Netball Association 1,400 annual participants.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
  Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation.
• Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• Latrobe Housing Summit explores collaborative solutions to meet growing regional housing demand and support future economic development
  Latrobe City Council’s Housing Summit brought together government, industry and community leaders to address rising housing demand, improve affordability and develop solutions supporting regional growth, investment and population increases.