It has taken more than 100 years for a mayor to be elected from Walhalla, but Baw Baw Shire councillors last week unanimously elected Cr Michael Leaney to the position.

The Walhalla resident and owner of the town’s Star Hotel with his partner Russell Wright, was elected by his peers to lead the shire for the next 12 months.

The last time Walhalla had a mayor was 1918, before it was amalgamated into the former Narracan Shire.

At council’s statutory meeting last Wednesday, Cr Leaney was elected mayor and west ward councillor Annemarie McCabe was elected deputy.

There were no other nominations for the two positions.

Since 2015, the shire has been served by Warragul based councillors Joe Gauci, Mikaela Power and Danny Goss.

Cr Leaney thanked councillors for the faith they put in him to undertake the important role.

“We have a great team here. A team that delivers, a team that works co-operatively and team that makes things happen for the greater good of our community.

“Most importantly, we have a great community.  No matter what part of the shire you call home – whether it’s in our major growth areas or our rural and remote areas – we have a vibrant community," he said.

Cr Leaney promised to work as hard as he could to ensure council delivered to the community.

“This is the fastest growing rural community in Victoria and we need infrastructure.

“I will be going to the State Government to get what our community deserves and projects that are needed for the future.

“We need major arterial road improvements. We need community infrastructure improvements. We need healthcare improvements.

“Over the next year, I’m going to make getting the assistance we need a key priority,” he said.

After just 12 months on council, Cr McCabe was elected deputy mayor.

She said the shire had a lot to offer but growth was posing real challenges in development, healthcare and infrastructure.

“This council is committed to addressing those challenges and I’m committed to tackling those challenges as deputy mayor,” she said.

Stepping down after two years as mayor during a COVID-impacted environment, Cr Danny Goss said his mayoral term had been a “journey.”

He said he had proudly led an honest and open council. 

“When I was elected to council it was one of the most secretive organisations, with many meetings held in camera.  People appreciate an open and honest relationship,” he said.

During his term, Cr Goss led a strong advocacy campaign seeking government funding to help manage the shire’s growth.

“Baw Baw is not taking the crap that’s been dished up in the past by politicians.

“Together we’ve accomplished a lot. I leave as mayor knowing that together we’ve helped to put Baw Baw Shire on the state and federal government agenda and we’ve delivered so many key projects and improvements on behalf our community,” he said.

Cr Goss said council’s public engagement and public regard had improved but council needed to continue to improve.

Cr Goss acknowledged his family, saying he could not have done the mayoral role without their love and support.