Paynesville’s Jodie Ashworth has been elected Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council.
First elected as Councillor in 2024, Cr Ashworth brings experience in small business, tourism, maritime operations, financial counselling, conciliation or dispute resolution, and volunteerism to the role.
In 2023, Cr Ashworth was awarded a scholarship to the Women Leading Locally program, an initiative of the Victorian Government to increase the representation of women councillors and mayors in Victoria.
Cr Ashworth has also completed a certificate in Community Leadership and Governance (Local Government).
“Being elected Mayor of East Gippsland is a privilege, and I accept this role with determination and a clear commitment to serve our community. I am honoured by the trust my fellow councillors have placed in me,” Cr Ashworth said.
Cr Tom Crook was elected Deputy Mayor. Cr Crook has been a councillor since 2020 and served as mayor in 2023-24 (the final year of the previous council).
Cr Ashworth congratulated Cr Crook on his appointment, and thanked the outgoing mayor and deputy mayor, Crs John White and Sonia Buckley, for their service over the past 12 months.
“I am committed to a term of strong governance, respectful behaviour, transparency and informed decision-making that aligns with community priorities as reflected in the Council Plan,” Cr Ashworth said.
Both Crs Ashworth and Crook thanked their fellow councillors for the confidence placed in them and expressed their commitment to working collaboratively, as a team, to represent the region.
