Pinar Yesil will be mayor of Greater Dandenong for the next 12 months.
PAPERBARK Ward councillor Pinar Yesil is the new mayor of Greater Dandenong.
As expected, seven Labor-aligned councillors threw their support behind Cr Yesil, who was elected over Lightwood Ward’s Yvonne Herring.
Councillor Jim Memeti nominated Cr Yesil, and Cr Herring nominated herself.
“It’s an honour to be standing here tonight,” the new mayor said.
“I promise to listen to each and every one of you to ensure the decisions we make are for the betterment of the whole community.”
Cr Yesil said the council faced a challenging and exciting year.
“I am passionate about our community and believe the City of Greater Dandenong has an exciting future.”
After formal proceedings, Cr Yesil was congratulated by a number of State and Federal members of Parliament who attended the meeting.
Cr Yesil will replace Silverleaf Ward councillor John Kelly, who has been Greater Dandenong’s mayor for the past year.
“Work on the Dandenong market redevelopment will begin in the New Year, along with revitalisation works in Springvale and Noble Park,” Cr Yesil said.
Cr Yesil, who became a councillor in 2005, said she would strive to work hard for the whole community and would continue to be a strong advocate of residents living in her Paperbark Ward.
“I look forward to leading this council and working as a team with my fellow councillors in 2009 for the betterment of the whole community,” she said.
“I will continue to advocate for additional resources in Greater Dandenong, build strong relationships with all tiers of Government and will work closely with key stakeholders, community groups and the business community, to ensure the needs of all members of our community are met.”
Cr Yesil, 28, has lived in Keysborough for the past seven years.
