Greater Dandenong councillor Roz Blades was elected as the new mayor at a special council meeting held last week.By Bridget Cook
IT WAS a historic day for more than one reason last Thursday as Greater Dandenong councillor Roz Blades was elected as the city’s mayor.
Thursday 2 December not only marked the third time Cr Blades has been elected as the mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong, but also the 41st anniversary of her arrival in Australia.
Cr Blades defeated Cr Yvonne Herring at a special council meeting last week, seven votes to three.
Cr Blades said it was an honour to be the newly elected mayor.
The opportunity to represent the residents of one of Australia’s most vibrant municipalities is one I take very seriously, and I’d like to thank my fellow councillors for having the confidence in me to lead this great city over the next twelve months,” she said.
Cr Blades said she was hoping to achieve a lot during her term as mayor.
“Together with my fellow councillors I am confident we can continue our work on a number of important projects, including the $290 million revitalisation of central Dandenong and the ‘More Than Just a Pool’ project in Noble Park,” she said.
Other projects she has an interest in include addressing the needs of elderly residents, to work with local agencies to promote mental health awareness in the region, consider the need for additional bicycle paths throughout the city and plan for additional car parking facilities in the Springvale shopping centre.
Improving waste management practices and continuing to provide services that support those in the community who are disadvantaged, particularly the youth, were also priorities she listed.
“My most important role as both a councillor and as mayor is to represent each and everyone one of you who make our city a better place,” she said.
Cr Blades has a long affiliation with the Greater Dandenong community both as a resident and as a councillor.
She was first elected as a councillor of the former City of Springvale in 1987 – and was the first woman mayor elected at Greater Dandenong.
Since moving to Noble Park from the UK in 1969, Cr Blades has always played an active role in the local community.
Her tireless work for the local community was recently recognised when she received a dedicated service award, acknowledging her contribution to the Greater Dandenong community over the past three decades.
Cr Blades acknowledged the year ahead would be a challenging one but said she looked forward to working with her fellow councillors to ensure the aims and aspirations of everyone in the community were achieved.
