Hume councillor Helen Patsikatheodorou will serve as mayor for the second time after polling the most votes for the job last week.
The Meadow Valley ward councillor vowed to improve community health, help create jobs and improve safety in her 12-month mayoral tenure.
“I have stated many times over the years that I’m passionate about people and that we need to improve our community’s health,” she said in her acceptance speech.
“Others would say that economic development is more important. There is a fine balance between both. Those that know me would appreciate that in my mayoral term, my focus will be on people, our community and particularly those who need our help the most.”
Aitken ward councillor Chandra Bamunusinghe will be Cr Patsikatheodorou’s deputy.
Two years ago, Cr Patsikatheodorou, a West Meadows resident, was told she had an invasive form of breast cancer. Early detection and a successful operation to remove the tumour allowed the community-minded councillor to return to work.
But she has vowed to promote breast screening in Hume.
In her acceptance speech, she promised to wear something pink every day to prompt the men to remind women in their lives to have their breasts screened.
“No women in Hume should die from breast cancer,” she said.
Cr Patsikatheodorou last served as mayor in 2011.
Councillors Ann Potter, Vic Dougall, Casey Nunn and Geoff Porter did not put their hands up for the job.
Ms Patsikatheodorou is a member of the Labor Party and loves to read on her Kindle.
She thanked her husband John and sons Nikolas, Dimitri and Stratos for their support.
