New mayor

By Nicole Williams
LIGHTWOOD Ward councillor Youhorn Chea was elected as the new mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong for 2012.
Cr Chea was voted in ahead of Councillor Yvonne Herring and Councillor Angela Long at a special meeting on Monday night.
He will take over the role from Councillor Roz Blades.
Cr Chea said he was honoured to be elected to the role.
“It is an honour to be the new mayor,” he said at the meeting.
“The opportunity to represent residents from such a vibrant community is a dream.”
Cr Chea said he would work tirelessly during his term to provide services to disadvantaged people in the community like the elderly, youth and mentally ill, as well as being a strong advocate for multiculturalism .
Other areas of particular interest to Cr Chea is the construction of the new municipal building, continuing support of Springvale’s Night Market, Gateway project and increasing parking in Springvale.
“The most important thing is to continue to represent each and everyone who makes the municipality a better place.”
Cr Chea has a long and proud history in Greater Dandenong, having moved to the area in 1982 after fleeing the killing field of Cambodia.
He previously served as mayor in 2001 and 2007, when he created history as the first Cambodian mayor in Australia, and has been a councillor for Greater Dandenong for 15 years.
Cr Chea and his follow councillors thanked Cr Blades for her contributions to the community during the year, including the opening of the Number 8 building, new and improved Dandenong Market, Springvale Night Market and the completion of revitalisation works on Lonsdale Street.