Grant Miles elected new Maribyrnong mayor

Independent councillor Grant Miles has been elected mayor of Maribyrnong in a special council meeting held Wednesday night.

The first-time independent councillor was elected unopposed and said he welcomed the opportunity to take the role for the next 12 months.

Cr Nam Quach was elected deputy mayor.

Outgoing mayor Catherine Cumming told a recent council meeting it was “an absolute pleasure” serving the community as mayor.

Cr Cumming was elected mayor last October after 15 years on council.

She said a major part of the role was helping councillors work well together.

“Four years is a long time but I think the community will actually see things from this four-year term quite quickly,” she said.

“I’m actually hoping that as a group of councillors, what we’ve achieved in the last 12 months will actually mean we start seeing things in the next couple of years.”

Cr Michael Clarke said Cr Cumming’s term as mayor had been nothing less than fabulous.

“You’ve done a tremendous job and I think you’ve truly grown in the role,” he said.

“I think no council can ask any more of any mayor than even-handedness and fairness and you’ve done that.

“You’ve contributed greatly to the community, your verve, your enthusiasm and the absolute joy with which you’ve taken up the role has been for me a delight and an inspiration.”