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Extraordinary Council Meeting held at the Council Chamber, 32 Civic Drive, Greensborough on Wednesday 26 November 2025 commencing at 7:00 PM. Minutes
Carl Cowie Chief Executive Officer Friday 28 November 2025
Distribution: Public Civic Drive, Greensborough PO Box 476, Greensborough 3088 Telephone 9433 3111 Facsimile 9433 3777 Website www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au Email nillumbik@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
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Extraordinary Council Meeting Minutes 26 November 2025
Nillumbik Shire Council
Contents
2. Acknowledgement of Country by the Chief Executive Officer
4. Declarations of conflict of interest
6. Appointment of a Second Temporary Chairperson
10. Appointment of Chairpersons to Delegated Committee
11. Appointment of Councillors to Internal Committees
12. Appointment of Councillors to External Committees Officers' reports
13. Delegated Committee and Council meeting schedule for 2026
14. Address by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Extraordinary Council Meeting Minutes 26 November 2025
Nillumbik Shire Council
Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Nillumbik Shire Council held Wednesday 26 November 2025. The meeting commenced at 7:01 PM.
Councillors present:
Cr Grant Brooker Blue Lake Ward
Cr Naomi Joiner Bunjil Ward
Cr Kelly Joy Edendale Ward
Cr Peter Perkins Ellis Ward
Cr Kim Cope Sugarloaf Ward
Cr Kate McKay Swipers Gully Ward
Cr John Dumaresq Wingrove Ward
Officers in attendance:
Carl Cowie Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy Livingston Acting Chief Operating Officer
Blaga Naumoski Director Governance, Communications and Community Safety
Corrienne Nichols Director Communities
Frank Vassilacos Director Planning, Environment and Strategy
Katia Croce Manager Governance and Property
Michele Purtle Manager Advocacy Communications and Engagement
In accordance with Council’s Governance Rule – Election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be the first temporary Chairperson of the meeting at which the election of the Mayor is to be conducted but will have no voting rights.
The first temporary Chairperson will chair proceedings until the election of the second temporary Chairperson.
Members of the public are advised the meeting will be livestreamed and recorded and the livestream and video recording will be made publicly available on YouTube and Council’s website.
2. Acknowledgement of Country by the Chief Executive Officer
Nillumbik Shire Council respectfully acknowledges and recognises the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung as the Traditional Owner of the land on which Nillumbik is located. We pay tribute to all First Peoples living in the Nillumbik Shire, give respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend our respect to all First Peoples. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
Nil
4. Declarations of conflict of interest
Nil
The Chief Executive Officer, Carl Cowie gave the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor a small gift on behalf of Council and offered each an opportunity to reflect on their year.
Acknowledgement of the outgoing Mayor
Good evening everyone,
I want to start simply: thank you.
Thank you for being here tonight. Thanks to the community for the trust placed in me when you elected me to represent Wingrove Ward and thank you to the Council for the honour of serving as your Mayor.
When my family settled in Eltham, I fell in love with this place, the village feel, the bushland, the creative spirit, the way people look after one another. I got involved in the community serving on the Eltham Childcare Co-op, volunteering on community committees. Those years taught me that the real strength of a place isn't in its roads or buildings it's in its people. It's in the parents who help at kinder, the volunteers who run sporting clubs, the artists and makers who keep our soul alive.
When I was elected Mayor twelve months ago, I said that together we would make Nillumbik one of the most liveable shires in the world. I said we would focus on sustainability, connectivity, and community wellbeing. Those weren't just words. I think we have made some big steps in the direction we set.
This year, we developed our new Council Plan 2025–2029 shaped by hundreds of voices of community, voices through surveys, forums, and face-to-face conversations. We listened to what matters most to you: protecting our Green Wedge, supporting local services, building better connections, and looking after our environment.
We celebrated 50 years of Living & Learning Nillumbik, a place where generations of our residents have come to try new things, pick up new skills, and find friendship. I was there on that open day in September, surrounded by community, and I thought about what an extraordinary place this is, where lifelong learning and connection have been cherished for half a century.
We welcomed our new Youth Council and our inspiring Youth Mayor Tahlia Edmonds. When I see young people stepping up to lead, I know this shire's future is in good hands.
We honoured the incredible work of our CFA brigades, who keep us safe through fire season after fire season. We recognised our volunteers and community groups, people like David Kerrigan, our Volunteer of the Year, and the Eltham SES, our Community Group of the Year. These are people who give everything and ask for very little in return.
We invested in what matters: roads and footpaths, waste and recycling, parks and playgrounds, and the quiet services like maternal and child health, libraries, and family support that hold our community together.
But tonight, I don't just want to talk about achievements. I want to talk about what this role has meant to me.
Being Mayor I have spoken with families who have lost homes to fire. I have met volunteers who have given decades of service. I have listened to young people speak with passion and clarity about the future they want to inherit. I have stood beside the community at memorials and at dawn services. I have celebrated with sporting clubs on grand final days and cheered alongside kids at school science room openings.
These moments stay with you. They remind you that this job It's about people.
I think of the conversations at pop-ups in Diamond Creek, on the sidelines of the footy at Eltham, the netball in Diamond Creek at the Alistair Knox Park, the Night on the hill at Wattle Festival in Hurstbridge. You told me your hopes and frustrations. Asked us to do better. You taught me what leadership really looks like not standing in front but standing beside and working together.
I want to thank some people specifically.
To my fellow councillors Naomi, Grant, Peter, Kim, Kelly, and Kate thank you for your partnership, your passion, and your commitment. We have not always agreed on everything. That's the nature of democracy. But we have always shared a common purpose: to serve this community with integrity and heart.
To Carl Cowie and all the ELT and to all the Council staff thank you. You are the ones who make things happen. When I've had an idea or a question, you've been there with answers, options, and that rare combination of expertise and care. This shire is fortunate to have you. I have been incredibly proud, as I have travel with this role as to in what high regard the staff of this organisation are held.
To our volunteers, community groups, emergency services, sporting clubs, artists, and local businesses you are the heartbeat of Nillumbik. I am inspired by of your dedication.
Whether it is Wayne and Vicki and their butterflies, Mitzi Elisabeth and Virginia with their climate action, Carlota and Sue and the gang at Eltham Action Group, Warrick and Alison at their respective Rotary Clubs, Veronica and the fabulous Chinese Senior Citizens.
And to my family Tracey and Rose thank your support and your understanding, the late nights, the weekend events, the phone calls at dinner Not sure there was much understanding there. You've given me the grounding and support that made this role possible. I could not have done it without you.
I want to thank Lynne Gowty, for her sage advice, organisational skill and work ethic she makes sure that the Mayor shows up on time, with speech note and a car spot. And of course, Officer Hubble and Viv who are major supports to the role.
Heath and the boys at the OC love the work you do and thank you for the unique sendoff card.
As I step aside from the mayoralty, I want to leave you with this. Nillumbik is special. Not because of its landscape although that is breathtaking. Not because of its history although that is rich. Nillumbik is special because of the people . Because of the way they show up for each other. Because of the way you protect what matters. Because of the way you keep believing that community, connection, and care are worth fighting for. I'll still be at the footy. I'll still be at community events. I'll still be your neighbour, your fellow resident, your partner in making this place even better.
To the incoming Mayor and Deputy: I wish you every success. This community will challenge you. It will also inspire you. Lean into the hard conversations. Keep listening. Remember why you stood for office in the first place.
It has been the honour of my life to serve as your Mayor.
Sincerely thank you.
Acknowledgement of the outgoing Deputy Mayor
Hi everyone. I won’t take up too much time here; I’ll just say a few words. I really loved serving as Deputy Mayor over the past year. It was a privilege to be trusted with this responsibility in my very first year as a Councillor, and I embraced the opportunity to run straight into the deep end.
I’d also like to thank Councillor Dumaresq for the time and energy he devoted as Mayor over the past year. His dedication to the role was very much appreciated, along with his genuine desire to serve our community. We also had some great adventures and experiences together, and I valued his camaraderie throughout the year.
Thank you.
Extraordinary Council Meeting Minutes 26 November 2025
6. Appointment of a Second Temporary Chairperson
Council’s Governance Rule – Election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor states that the Chief Executive Officer, as first temporary Chairperson, must invite nominations for a second temporary Chairperson, which do not need to be seconded.
The second temporary Chairperson will be responsible for chairing the Mayoral term.
Cr Naomi Joiner nominated Cr Grant Brooker for the role of second temporary Chairperson.
Following the nomination process, the Chief Executive Officer called for a motion to appoint a second temporary Chairperson.
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Officer Recommendation That Cr _______________ be nominated as second temporary Chairperson. |
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Motion MOVED: Cr Naomi Joiner SECONDED: Cr Peter Perkins That Cr Grant Brooker be nominated as second temporary Chairperson. |
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THE MOTION WAS PUT TO THE VOTE AND CARRIED AND BECAME THE COUNCIL RESOLUTION AS FOLLOWS: |
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SECONDED: Cr Peter Perkins That Cr Grant Brooker be nominated as second temporary Chairperson. |
The first temporary chairperson, Chief Executive Officer Carl Cowie declared Cr Grant Brooker elected for the role of second temporary Chairperson.
The first temporary chairperson vacated the chair, and the second temporary Chairperson Cr Grant Brooker assumed the Chair.
In accordance with Section 26(3) of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) a Council must before the election of the Mayor, determine by resolution whether the Mayor is to be elected for a 1 year or a 2 year term.
Nillumbik has traditionally elected a Mayor for a 1 year term.
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Officer Recommendation That Council resolves to elect the Mayor for a term of __________ year/s. The second temporary Chairperson vacates the Chair and the Chief Executive Officer will assume the Chair for the Election of the Mayor. |
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Motion MOVED: Cr Naomi Joiner SECONDED: Cr Kim Cope That Council resolves to elect the Mayor for a term of one year. |
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THE MOTION WAS PUT TO THE VOTE AND CARRIED AND BECAME THE COUNCIL RESOLUTION AS FOLLOWS: |
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Council Resolution SECONDED: Cr Kim Cope That Council resolves to elect the Mayor for a term of one year. |
The second temporary Chairperson vacated the Chair and the Chief Executive Officer assumed the Chair for the Election of the Mayor.
Extraordinary Council Meeting Minutes 26 November 2025
8. Election of Mayor
The Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) requires the Councillors to elect a Councillor to be the Mayor of the Council. Any Councillor is eligible for election to the Office of Mayor. The election of the Mayor must be chaired by the Chief Executive Officer and conducted in accordance with section 25 of the Act and Council’s Governance Rules.
The Mayor must be elected by an absolute majority vote.
The Mayor is responsible for leading the Council and has a number of roles which are both legislative and functional. The legislative requirements are outlined in Division 3 of the Act. The Act states that Council must elect a Mayor at a meeting that is open to the public no later than one month after the date of a general election.
The Mayoral position is responsible for leading the Council. The Mayor has responsibilities towards, and is accountable to, all Councillors and the Mayor’s leadership style should reflect this.
Section 18 of the Act outlines the role and specific powers of the Mayor to:
· chair Council meetings;
· be the principal spokesperson for the Council;
· lead engagement with the municipal community on the development of the Council Plan;
· report to the municipal community, at least once each year, on the implementation of the Council Plan;
· promote behaviour among Councillors that meets the standards of conduct set out in the Councillor Code of Conduct;
· assist Councillors to understand their role;
· take a leadership role in ensuring the regular review of the performance of the Chief Executive Officer;
· provide advice to the Chief Executive Officer when the Chief Executive Officer is setting the agenda for Council meetings; and
· perform civic and ceremonial duties on behalf of the Council.
In addition to the role outlined above, specific powers of the Mayor (section 19 of the Act) include:
· to appoint a Councillor to be the chair of a delegated committee;
· to direct a Councillor, subject to any procedures or limitations specified in the Governance Rules, to leave a Council meeting if the behaviour of the Councillor is preventing the Council from conducting its business;
· to require the Chief Executive Officer to report to the Council on the implementation of a Council decision.
The Mayor’s role, however, extends well beyond officiating at Council Meetings or other municipal proceedings. Additional important roles are providing leadership, promoting positive relationships, and modelling good governance.
The Mayoral term commences from this meeting and becomes vacant at the time and on the day of the election of the next Mayor.
The Chief Executive Officer called for nominations for the Office of Mayor, nominations must be seconded.
Nomination
Cr Kate McKay nominated Cr Naomi Joiner for the Office of Mayor.
Cr Kim Cope seconded the nomination of Cr Naomi Joiner.
Cr Naomi Joiner accepted the nomination.
A vote was undertaken by show of hands and was carried unanimously.
The Chief Executive Officer Carl Cowie declared Cr Naomi Joiner duly elected as the Mayor of Nillumbik Shire Council for the 2025/2026 Council year.
The elected Mayor, Cr Naomi Joiner assumed the Chair.
Extraordinary Council Meeting Minutes 26 November 2025
9. Election of Deputy Mayor
The Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) outlines that Council may establish an office of Deputy Mayor (s20A) and if an office of Deputy Mayor is established, the legislative requirements of the Deputy Mayor are provided in Sections 21 and 27 of the Act.
The Act states the Deputy Mayor must undertake the role of the Mayor if:
· the Mayor is unable for any reason to attend a Council meeting or part of a Council meeting; or
· the Mayor is incapable of performing the duties of the office of Mayor for any reason, including illness; or
· the office of Mayor is vacant.
Should Council not elect a Deputy Mayor, it must appoint an Acting Mayor in the above circumstances.
The term of a Deputy Mayor is identical to the term of the Mayor as resolved by Council.
On 7 March 2022, in accordance with section 23A of the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal and Improving Parliamentary Standards Act 2019 (Vic), the Tribunal made the Allowance payable to Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors (Victoria) Determination No. 01/2022. The allowance values are updated annually, most recently in July 2025.
The Determination applies to all Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors in all Victorian Councils.
In accordance with the determination the Deputy Mayor is entitled to an additional allowance.
The Mayor calls for nominations for the office of Deputy Mayor, nominations do need to be seconded.
Cr Kelly Joy nominated Cr Kate McKay for the Office of Deputy Mayor.
Cr Kim Cope seconded the nomination of Cr Kate McKay.
A vote was undertaken by show of hands and was carried unanimously.
The Mayor, Cr Naomi Joiner declared Cr Kate McKay duly elected as the Deputy Mayor of Nillumbik Shire Council for the 2025/2026 Council year.
10. Appointment of Chairpersons to Delegated Committee
Planning and Consultation Committee (the Committee) has delegated powers from Council to determine any issue, take any action or do any act or thing as set out in the Instrument of Delegation.
The Committee was established by Council on 23 February 2021 and effective on 11 March 2021, with all seven Councillors being appointed to Committee.
The current Instrument of Delegation for the Committee and the Terms of Reference were adopted by Council on 29 July 2025.
The scope of the Committee’s responsibilities includes all matters within the following portfolio areas
· Planning
- Planning applications
- Land-use planning policy
- Planning scheme and amendments
(excluding adoption or abandonment of amendments, which must be determined by Council)
· Consultation
- Section 223 process
- Community Engagement
Meetings are usually held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm.
Unless otherwise notified, meetings will be held at the Civic Centre, Civic Drive, Greensborough.
The Mayor called for nominations for the Chairperson for Planning Matters.
Cr Kim Cope nominated Cr Grant Brooker for Chairperson for Planning Matters.
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Officer Recommendation That Cr _______________ to act as Chairperson for Planning Matters before the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2025/2026 Council year. |
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Motion MOVED: Cr Kim Cope SECONDED: Cr Kelly Joy That Cr Grant Brooker to act as Chairperson for Planning Matters before the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2025/2026 Council year. |
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THE MOTION WAS PUT TO THE VOTE AND CARRIED AND BECAME THE COUNCIL RESOLUTION AS FOLLOWS:
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Council Resolution SECONDED: Cr Kelly Joy That Cr Grant Brooker to act as Chairperson for Planning Matters before the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2025/2026 Council year. |
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The Mayor calls for nominations for the Chairperson for Consultation Matters. |
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Officer Recommendation That Cr _______________ to act as Chairperson for Consultation Matters before the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2025/2026 Council year. |
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Motion MOVED: Cr Peter Perkins SECONDED: Cr Grant Brooker That Cr Kate McKay to act as Chairperson for Consultation Matters before the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2025/2026 Council year. |
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THE MOTION WAS PUT TO THE VOTE AND CARRIED AND BECAME THE COUNCIL RESOLUTION AS FOLLOWS: |
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Council Resolution SECONDED: Cr Grant Brooker That Cr Kate McKay to act as Chairperson for Consultation Matters before the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2025/2026 Council year. |
11. Appointment of Councillors to Internal Committees
Council has a range of advisory committees which provide an important mechanism for consultation with the community and key stakeholders. Advisory committees provide advice to Council but do not make formal decisions.
Council appoints Councillors as representatives on its advisory committees and reviews these appointments annually.
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That Council appoints Councillors as listed below as its representatives on advisory committees for the 2025/2026 Council year:
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Council Resolution SECONDED: Cr Grant Brooker That Council appoints Councillors as listed below as its representatives on advisory committees for the 2025/2026 Council year:
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12. Appointment of Councillors to External Committees Officers' reports
Council is a member or participant in a range of external organisations at a local, regional or sector level.
Councillors are appointed to represent Council as delegates to those organisations. In some cases, an alternate is also appointed who can attend if the primary Councillor is not available.
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That Council appoints Councillors as listed below as its delegates to external organisations for the 2025/2026 Council year:
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Council Resolution MOVED: Cr Peter Perkins SECONDED: Cr Kelly Joy That Council appoints Councillors as listed below as its delegates to external organisations for the 2025/2026 Council year:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY |
13. Delegated Committee and Council meeting schedule for 2026
It is recommended the arrangements for the 2026 meeting cycle be as follows:
· Meetings occur on Tuesday nights throughout the year unless otherwise notified.
· The Delegated Committee meeting will commence at 7.00pm, usually on the second Tuesday of each month unless otherwise notified.
· Council meetings will commence at 7.00pm, usually on the fourth Tuesday of each month unless otherwise notified.
· Unless otherwise notified, meetings will be held at the Civic Centre, Civic Drive, Greensborough.
· At least one week of each school holidays has been left free of meetings.
Following consultation with Councillors, the 2026 meeting schedule listed in the table below is recommended.
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That Council: 1. Adopts and advertises the Delegated Committee and Council Meeting schedule for the 2026 Council year as listed below:
2. Endorses that the 2027 Citizenship Ceremony is to be held on Tuesday 27 January 2027. 3. Resolves that an Extraordinary Council Meeting be held on Wednesday 25 November 2026 to consider; · Appointment of a Second Temporary Chairperson · Mayoral term for the 2026/2027 Council year · Election of the Mayor for the 2026/2027 Council year · Election of the Deputy Mayor for the 2026/2027 Council year · Appointment of Chairpersons to the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2026/2027 Council year · Councillor appointments to Advisory Committees · Council appointments to external organisations · Council Meeting and Delegated Committee Meeting dates for 2027 · Endorsement of the Citizenship Ceremony date for 2028. |
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Motion SECONDED: Cr Kim Cope That Council: 1. Adopts and advertises the Delegated Committee and Council Meeting schedule for the 2026 Council year as listed below:
2. Endorses that the 2027 Citizenship Ceremony is to be held on Wednesday 27 January 2027. 3. Resolves that an Extraordinary Council Meeting be held on Wednesday 25 November 2026 to consider; · Appointment of a Second Temporary Chairperson · Mayoral term for the 2026/2027 Council year · Election of the Mayor for the 2026/2027 Council year · Election of the Deputy Mayor for the 2026/2027 Council year · Appointment of Chairpersons to the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2026/2027 Council year · Councillor appointments to Advisory Committees · Council appointments to external organisations · Council Meeting and Delegated Committee Meeting dates for 2027 · Endorsement of the Citizenship Ceremony date for 2028. |
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THE MOTION WAS PUT TO THE VOTE AND CARRIED AND BECAME THE COUNCIL RESOLUTION AS FOLLOWS: |
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Council Resolution SECONDED: Cr Kim Cope That Council: 1. Adopts and advertises the Delegated Committee and Council Meeting schedule for the 2026 Council year as listed below:
2. Endorses that the 2027 Citizenship Ceremony is to be held on Wednesday 27 January 2027. 3. Resolves
that an Extraordinary Council Meeting be held on Wednesday · Appointment of a Second Temporary Chairperson · Mayoral term for the 2026/2027 Council year · Election of the Mayor for the 2026/2027 Council year · Election of the Deputy Mayor for the 2026/2027 Council year · Appointment of Chairpersons to the Planning and Consultation Committee for the 2026/2027 Council year · Councillor appointments to Advisory Committees · Council appointments to external organisations · Council Meeting and Delegated Committee Meeting dates for 2027 · Endorsement of the Citizenship Ceremony date for 2028. |
Extraordinary Council Meeting Minutes 26 November 2025
14. Address by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
The Mayor, Cr Naomi Joiner addressed the meeting as follows:
I’m truly honoured to accept the appointment as mayor. I want to acknowledge that this wasn’t an easy decision tonight. Every councillor sitting here is capable, committed, and would bring something valuable to this role. And to be honest, I had my own moments of doubt. But am I going to be the best at every single aspect of this role? No. Nobody is. But here is what I can promise: I will collaborate openly. I will listen deeply. I will support my fellow councillors with the same respect and care we expect from one another. I will represent this council to the best of my abilities. And above all, I will continue being a proud representative for the wonderful community of Nillumbik, as I have over the past year.
Most importantly, I put my hand up for this role because I want to represent the great women of Nillumbik. When women step into leadership, we don’t just change what the room looks like— we change how the room feels. We bring empathy, fresh ideas, resilience, and a deep commitment to community.
I look up at the wall of photos of past mayors out in the hallway. I see many faces—many male faces. It’s time to add one more female to that wall. In almost 30 years, Nillumbik has had 22 years of male mayors and only seven years of female mayors. Two of those years were led by the remarkable Helen Coleman, who is in the gallery tonight and who continues to be a strong advocate for women in local government.
So, to my fellow councillor, thank you for your trust and support. I’m excited for the year ahead and the work we will do together. And to my husband, my children, my parents, my siblings, and my friends, thank you for your ongoing support. I couldn’t do this without you.
I’ll also take the opportunity to congratulate Cr McKay for becoming Deputy Mayor as well. I look forward to the year ahead with you. Thanks.
Councillor McKay, would you like to speak?
The Deputy Mayor, Cr Kate MacKay Joiner addressed the meeting as follows:
I just wanted to take a moment to show my gratitude and appreciation on a very special and humbling moment for me.18 months ago this was not on my radar, so I’m very, very thankful.
I just wanted to discuss briefly about leadership styles and a little bit about myself. I’ve been a nurse for 18 years and whilst it’s my chosen profession, it’s also become a part of my identity. There are lots of different types of nurses, but generally they’re skilled in communication, compassion, strong advocacy, and, as councillor Joy has noted, problem solvers.
My confidence in my councillor role has increased significantly since I settled in and knowing that these skills have been transferable. So, I was sort of worried about my skill set coming in and recognising that one of my strengths is being a people person has, you know, it’s been very comforting for me and I enjoy putting that on show and being true to myself there.
Some things I have learned in my profession is the values I feel very strongly about—about values-based leadership. With a values-based leadership model, the benefits flow all the way down, and in this situation, they flow all the way down to the people of Nillumbik.
Values that I try to championship—champion—as a leader include putting people first in every decision, in every way we serve the people of Nillumbik; and I don’t mean as a ratepayer, but as members of the community—people who live, work, and play in Nillumbik. This is your home. No decision is made without the consideration of putting people first.
Leading with kindness—entering situations, communications, and conflict showing kindness and compassion and showing understanding of where people are coming from. I truly believe that leading with kindness is the best way to any resolution, and I always try to remind myself to put a kindness lens on.
And finally, I’d like to talk about having excellence together: fostering excellence as a group, striving to be the best and to do the best, lifting each other up, elevating our people and our peers. Excellence together as a council group. Excellence together as the Nillumbik Council. And when we show excellence together, this flows down to our community members and leads then to putting people first.
It’s going to be a big year ahead. There’s planning reforms. It’s an election year. I’m excited to be in the room and I’m excited to represent the Nillumbik Council and represent the people of Nillumbik with your needs at the forefront of my mind.
I’d like to thank my fellow councillors for supporting me in this nomination. And I’d like to give a big thank you to my family, who’s here, which I’m very grateful for, for their ongoing support of me in this role—with a special mention to my husband, Michael, who, between shift work and councillor duties, really keeps the house steady, and I very much appreciate that. And he just keeps on telling me to shine on. So, I’m very—yes—very lucky lady. Thank you.
I would also just like to acknowledge that this is the second time to have an all-female Mayor and Deputy Mayor group with our pioneer and trailblazer in the room. So, thank you very much.
That’s pretty much all from me. I’m looking forward to a great year. I’m looking forward to supporting Naomi and the rest of the council as much as possible. And yes, I’m a team player, and yes, it’s going to be a great year ahead. I’m very invigorated.
Thank you.
The meeting closed at 7.33pm.
Confirmed: _______________________________
Cr Naomi Joiner, Mayor