Councillor Elizabeth Nealy the new Mayor of Banyule Council

Published on 19 November 2024

For a second time, Cr Elizabeth Nealy has been elected Mayor of Banyule.

She is joined by Cr Peter Castaldo as the new Deputy Mayor.

They were elected to the positions for 2024-2025 by their fellow councillors at last night’s special Council meeting.

Cr Nealy's colleagues praised her collaborative approach to decision-making.

“It’s an honour to serve as Mayor,” said Cr Nealy, citing the example offered by outgoing Mayor Tom Melican.

“I follow in the footsteps of our immediate past Mayor, Tom Melican, someone who I’ve learnt so much from. He brought great experience, dedication and respect for his colleagues and the community.”

Looking ahead to the next year, Cr Nealy said that she was focussed on “developing our 4-year Council Plan, alongside the community. It’s one of our most important strategies.”

She underlined the importance of continuing to provide Council’s more than 100 services, such as libraries and maternal and child health programs, in an environment of cost shifting and reduced grant opportunities.

“During my time in local government, I’ve always stood up for community services, because that’s at the core of what Council does well,” said Cr Nealy.

Cr Nealy also committed to working “across all three levels of government” to advocate for these services and the infrastructure Banyule residents need, including “modern, fit-for-purpose spaces” and increased housing.

She noted that there were challenges ahead in the housing space, with the Victorian Government’s targets for 47,000 new homes in Banyule by 2051. Cr Nealy said that it will be essential to keep an open dialogue with the Victorian Government and have strong forward planning to “ensure the best outcomes for our residents and neighbourhoods.”

Congratulations to the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, as well as all 9 councillors who took their Oaths of Office.