By Deanne Jeffers
COUNCILLOR Anthony Brophy was re-elected as deputy mayor within Greater Shepparton City Council at an additional council meeting last Tuesday.
The position had remained vacant since an election was held in October 2022, which resulted in a hung vote due to the vacancy of former mayor, Kim O’Keeffe.
Now with a full panel of council members, Cr Andrew Brophy was elected against Cr Sam Spinks, in a vote of 5-4.
Mayor Shane Sali and councillors Brophy, Ben Ladson, Greg James and Geoff Dobson voted for Cr Brophy, while councillors Spinks, Dinny Adem, Fern Summer and Seema Abdullah voted for Cr Spinks.
Speaking to The Adviser after the vote, Cr Brophy said the past few months without someone in the deputy role has been challenging, but he felt honoured to go forward in the position and continue supporting the mayor and fellow councillors.
“I’m privileged to be able to help Mayor Sali, who has not been in the role that long. To be able to have that unified voice together, particularly on the big projects coming up will be so important, “The deputy mayor is very much a support role within the council. We need to make sure – and I’m using my political experience and negotiating skills and all that, to support Cr Sali in that particular role as mayor.” he said.
This is Cr Brophy’s second term as deputy mayor, having served in 2021/22. He will hold the position for the remainder of the 12-month term.
