Second term as Boroondara Mayor for Cr Jim Parke

BELLEVUE Ward Councillor Jim Parke has been elected as Boroondara Mayor for the second time, pledging to draw on his past experience to “hit the ground running”.

New Boroondara Mayor Jim Parke together with Services Special Committee chairs Felicity Sinfield (left) and Cynthia Watson and Urban Planning Committee chair Garry Thompson.

HARD work is a “way of life” for returning Boroondara Mayor Jim Parke.

The Bellevue Ward councillor was elected unopposed at a special council meeting last Wednesday, his second term as mayor after filling the position in 2015-16.

Just as he did during his last term, Cr Parke will remain in his role as managing director of Parke Lawyers.

“Working is a way of life for me,” he said.

“I’ll devote as much time as needed to my mayoral duties — that will be my priority throughout the year but I will remain in legal practice.”

Cr Parke was first elected to Boroondara Council in 2012 as part of a long and distinguished career in service that includes being president of Crime Stoppers International and president of the Victims of Crime Association of Queensland.

He said his previous term would allow him to “hit the ground running” and focus on delivering the North East Community Hub and Balwyn Library.

Cr Parke also said he will communicate regularly with the State Government on the North East Link and public housing leading up to next year’s state election.