New Maroondah councillor Tasa Damante gets warm welcome after winning Wyrenna ward countback

A CROYDON mum of four has stepped into the world of local government with Tasa Damante appointed Maroondah’s newest councillor following a countback.

New Maroondah councillor Tasa Damante has filled the vacancy left by Michael Macdonald in Wyrenna Ward. Picture: SUPPLIED.

NEW Maroondah councillor Tasa Damante says she’s “chuffed” to represent the Croydon community as she starts her local government career.

Croydon’s Cr Damante won Monday’s Victorian Electoral Commission countback from the 2016 election to fill the vacancy in Wyrenna Ward.

She replaces Michael Macdonald, who quit last month to dedicate more time to support his newborn son’s battle with cystic fibrosis.

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The mother of four said her appointment was exciting but somewhat “bittersweet” and her thoughts went out to Mr Macdonald and his family.

“Having kids of my own I know family always comes first, so I hope all is well with him, I would do the same if I was in his shoes,” she said.

Cr Damante said she was still working out her priorities on the council following her sudden appointment.

New Maroondah councillor Tasa Damante signs on after winning Monday's countback at the council offices in Ringwood. Picture: KIEL EGGING.

“I love being a mum, but I also want to be part of the community and make some differences,” she said.

“I live in the area, I use all the facilities in the area, so I thought it would be nice to be part of it (Council) and see how I can help out.”

Fellow Wyrenna ward councillors Rob Steane and Marijke Graham extended a warm welcome to Cr Damante at Monday night’s July meeting, with Cr Graham saying it was great to see “another young mum on council”.