Labor’s Helen Politis has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek, marking a significant step for the seasoned community advocate and businesswoman.
Ms Politis secured the role by a single vote in a closely contested race against independent Natalie Abboud during a council meeting on Wednesday, November 20.
During the meeting, Ms Politis, who represents the Harmony Park ward, emphasised her long-standing ties to Brunswick and her extensive experience in both community activism and the business sector as key qualifications for the deputy position.
The Deputy Mayoral vote followed the election of independent Helen Davidson as Merri-bek’s new Mayor. Davidson’s victory ended a streak of three successive Greens mayors, as she secured the position with support from the three Labor councillors, including Ms Politis, and two other independents.
The election sets the stage for a leadership duo focused on bridging political divides while addressing pressing community issues, such as combatting violence against women.
The new council, which operates under Merri-bek’s updated ward system, will hold its first meeting on December 11, initiating its governance agenda for the coming term.
