Cr Gareth Graham was elected as Alpine Shire Mayor at last night's Ordinary Council Meeting, with Cr Sarah Nicholas elected as Deputy Mayor.
Both Mayor and Deputy Mayor will serve a one-year term.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Gareth Graham thanked his fellow Councillors for showing faith in him.
"Every Councillor has contributed to this last 12 months of this new Council term, none more than Cr Sarah Nicholas who, using her experience, has guided us through an extensive education phase," he said.
"I must also recognise the power of work she put into the Porepunkah incident, liaising with government departments, ministers, and behind the scenes."
Cr Graham said that, as new Mayor, he did not plan any wholesale changes, but wanted to lead a team that utilised the unique skills that each Councillor brings, including seeing the new Deputy Mayor more involved in decision-making.
"We know we're heading into financial hard times and need to make some tough decisions," he said.
"We have benefited from disaster funding, bushfire, flood, and landslip in recent years. That's now gone."
Cr Graham emphasised that, as a result, Council will now need to be more frugal.
"We will be somewhat restricted in lavish community funding, but we will still prioritise you, our community," he said.
"We are all your representatives. Come and talk to us."
Community members can access the recording of the November Ordinary Council Meeting on Council's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAHP3o6P82k
The 2026 schedule for Ordinary Council Meetings can be viewed on Council's website by visiting https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-council/council-meetings/council-meetings-2026