At its statutory council meeting held on the morning of Tuesday, November 18, the current leadership switched, with former deputy mayor Scott Jeffery taking up the mayoralty, while former mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy was elected as deputy.
As the outgoing mayor, Cr Ewart-Kennedy said it had been a real honour to represent the shire.
“The interaction with the community on all different levels has been a real highlight,” she said.
“I’ve found it really rewarding being out in the community and being part of this fantastic region.
“Big congratulations to Mayor Jeffrey on being elected, and I look forward to supporting him as his deputy.”
Cr Jeffery, whose family has called the Strathbogie Ranges home for more than 150 years and six generations, thanked the council group for the confidence it had shown in him and said he was committed to transparency and accountability.
“It is a privilege to be the newly elected mayor,” he said.
“Public trust is earned through honest, clear communications and responsible stewardship of our residents.
“In collaboration with our chief executive officer, I will strengthen confidence in our organisation by ensuring that every policy, every project and every dollar serves the long-term interests of our residents.”
Both the newly elected mayor and deputy said they had a strong focus on economic development and community connectedness.
Listening, Cr Jeffery said, would be among the four principles of his leadership style, along with transparency, accountability and action.
“Each voice in Strathbogie matters. The people of Strathbogie know their community best, and I will ensure our communities have the opportunity to be heard by conducting a Municipal Performance Report with open questions at each of our townships twice a year,” he said.
“I sought this office out of a deep sense of responsibility — to uphold the values that have sustained us for generations and to help shape a future worthy of those who will follow.
“Now as mayor, with the support of my parents, wife and children, I am proud to have the opportunity to continue my family’s legacy, and I am committed to serving this region that has given us so much.”
Cr Jeffery and Cr Ewart-Kennedy will serve as Strathbogie Shire’s mayor and deputy, respectively, until the next elections at the end of 2026.
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