Deputy Mayor Tony Wallace with Mayor Brian Ingram.

Councillor Brian Ingram has been elected unopposed as the first Mayor of Hilltops Council, with Councillor Tony Wallace elected to serve as Deputy Mayor.

In accepting the position, Mayor Ingram said he is humbled by the honour and is looking forward to representing the interests of the entire Hilltops region.

“To be elected as the first Mayor of Hilltops Council is an honour and a privilege; I’m a proud resident of this area and have been for many years, and I look forward to leading a united Council team as we embark on an exciting new chapter for the region,” Mayor Ingram said.

Back Councillors – Wendy Tuckerman, Greg Armstrong, Tony Flanery, Rita O’Connor, John Walker and Chris Manchester.

Front Councillors – Matthew Stadtmiller, Margaret Roles, Mayor Brian Ingram, Deputy Mayor Tony Wallace and John Horton.

“I’m confident that with the combined efforts of the eleven-member Council, the best interests of each and every town and village will be at the forefront of our decision making.

“From the outset, I’m determined to ensure the newly elected Hilltops Council is an inclusive one; one that talks and listens to the community and maintains an ongoing conversation with residents about what Council is doing right, what Council can do better, and importantly, what the community’s ideas are for the future.

“As the new Council takes the reigns, there’s plenty on the agenda for us to start working on as we review future priorities, and plan for the long-term and sustainable future of the Hilltops Council region.

“There’s certainly a number of projects underway that the new Council will have the opportunity to take carriage of and work with the community to deliver, including the development of a new ‘Community Strategic Plan’ along with a new ‘Local Environment Plan’.

“These – and many other initiatives – will require extensive community consultation and I encourage all residents to contribute when the time comes.

“I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors – and of course the wider community – for putting their trust in me as Mayor. I assure residents that the new Council team will hit the ground running and will get to work representing the interests of each and every community; you’re all an important part of the Hilltops Council region, a region we can all be proud to call home,” he said.