Councillor Bernadene Voss is again serving the Port Phillip community as Mayor.

This is the fourth time Cr Voss (Gateway Ward) has been elected Mayor.

Last night’s Special Council Meeting at the St Kilda Town Hall also saw Cr Tim Baxter (Canal
Ward) elected as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Voss said while there was more to be done, she was proud of Council’s achievements over the past three years including its ‘recycled road’ eco-friendly asphalt trial, Peanut Farm Pavilion upgrade, innovative sustainability initiatives at South Melbourne Market, Alma Park stormwater harvesting scheme and leading role in the recently opened South Melbourne Life Saving Club.

Cr Voss foreshadowed big decisions would be made on high profile topics such as childcare,
parking and waste management as this Council enters the last year of its four-year term.

“As we come into the ‘final straight’, this year is going to be a tough one. As a Councillor group, we will have to be brave and courageous,” Cr Voss said.

“We will need to be connected and listening to our communities as well as looking at what the evidence and research show us.

“I have full confidence that we, as a Council, will continue to work together constructively and continue to represent our community’s diverse views.”

Cr Baxter said he is looking forward to even more key projects and services being delivered for the community under the ambitious Council Plan.

“There is still a year to go to and there will, no doubt, be lots of challenges ahead,” he said.

“Our community feels very strongly about issues such as childcare, parking and public space. We will continue to do all we can to achieve the best possible outcomes for what are often very complex subjects.”

Cr Voss thanked Outgoing Mayor Dick Gross and Outgoing Deputy Mayor Louise Crawford for the hard work and passion they brought to these roles over the past year.

Cr Voss, who lives in Port Melbourne, previously served as Mayor from 2015-18.