Bass Coast Council has decided on its next mayor and deputy mayor

Bass Coast residents have found out who their mayor and deputy is, as well as how long they will have the roles. Find out more.

Bass Coast Council has elected its mayor and deputy mayor for the next term, which was unanimously voted to remain at one year.

Michael Whelan was re-elected as mayor and Councillor Rochelle Halstead was elected as the new Deputy Mayor, replacing Councillor Leticia Laing.

Cr Whelan received the only nomination for mayor from Councillor Clare Le Serve. The nomination was seconded by Councillor David Rooks.

He thanked all the councillors for his re-election and said he would continue to work hard for the Bass Coast.

“We have unfinished business,” he said.

Michael Whelan has been re-elected as Bass Coast Mayor.

He also thanked outgoing Deputy Mayor Leticia Laing for her hard work in the role.

“I have encouraged her to pursue her studies and I have no doubt she will still make a valuable contribution to council,” he said.

Rochelle Halstead was elected as the new Deputy Mayor, being the only nominated candidate.

She thanked Cr Laing for her work in the role and said she was proud to be taking over.

Rochelle Halstead has been elected Deputy Mayor for 2022/23.

“This is an exciting day for me,” she said.

“I am looking forward to representing Bass Coast and providing the best possible outcomes.”

Mirroring last year’s vote, all councillors voted to keep the mayoral terms at 12 months.

Representatives to a number of Council committees and external committees and the meeting schedule for 2023 were also decided at Wednesday’s Council meeting.