The youngest Mayor in Victoria’s history is now the Municipal Association of Victoria’s President. Councillor Geoff Lake from Monash City Council was elected last month.
“Councillor Lake’s appointment to this leadership position heralds an important new direction for the sector,” said MAV’s Chief Executive, Rob Spence. “He brings significant experience, skill and passion to this position and will now expand his role on the MAV Board to further improve the security and interests of the sector.
“He was first elected to Monash Council in March 2000 at the age of 20 and became the State’s youngest ever Mayor at 22.
“Councillor Lake has been a MAV Representative for the past three years and a MAV Board member for two. His youth will add a new dimension to the profile of Local Government in Victoria, and the Association looks forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Councillor Lake said he was honoured that his State Council colleagues had given him the opportunity to lead and guide the MAV until February 2005, when the Association will next hold a general election.
“I believe I have the skills and networks to achieve results for the sector,” he said. “I favour a collaborative approach with other peak bodies and all member councils to ensure the MAV continues to achieve outstanding results.
“I aim to raise the bar higher and stretch the performance of both the sector as a whole and the MAV as the peak representative body for Local Government. “During the coming months I will work hard to improve the effectiveness of the MAV so we can collectively achieve greater stability for the sector.I will also be working hard to promote important issues such as achieving a sustainable funding base for Local Government.”
