Cr Hearn to lead Benalla Rural City

Published on 27 November 2024

Benalla Rural City Council is pleased to announce that Cr Bernie Hearn has been elected as Mayor of Benalla Rural City, following the Council meeting held last night, Tuesday 26 November.

This becomes Cr Hearn's third term as Mayor of Benalla Rural City, having previously served in the role from November 2021 to November 2023.

Cr Justin King was re-elected as Deputy Mayor, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the Councillors in their work to serve the Benalla community. Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will serve for a period of 12 months.

Cr Bernie Hearn expressed her gratitude to her peers for entrusting her with the role of Mayor.

"I’m both excited and honoured by the opportunity to serve the Benalla Rural City community once again and I look forward to the work ahead," said Mayor Hearn. "It is an incredible privilege to be elected as Mayor of Benalla Rural City for another term, thank you to my fellow Councillors for placing your trust in me."

The meeting also marked the official swearing-in of councillors for the 2024-2028 term. The Councillors are David Blore, Peter Davis, Puna Gunaratne, Bernie Hearn, Justin King, Jillian Merkel and Nathan Tolliday. Among them, Cr Blore, Cr Merkel and Cr Tolliday are newly elected representatives to the Council.

"I would also like to extend a congratulations and warm welcome to my fellow Councillors. We have some returning faces as well as some new faces all of whom will play a critical role in shaping the future of our beautiful city," Cr Hearn said.

Deputy Mayor Cr Justin King conveyed his enthusiasm for his ongoing role.

"Congratulations to Cr Hearn for your appointment to the Mayorship, I look forward, as your Deputy, to work alongside you once again. I know through your leadership and the skills that you bring to the table that we are in safe hands for the next 12 months," he said.

Benalla Rural City Council is committed to working collaboratively to support the needs of the community over the coming term.