Cr Tom Crook of Eagle Point has been elected Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council at a Statutory Meeting held on Thursday, October 26.

Cr Mark Reeves and Cr Arthur Allen were thanked for their service as mayor and deputy mayor, respectively, after two years in each role.

First elected in 2020, Cr Crook is in his third year on Council.

Cr Jane Greacen OAM was elected Deputy Mayor.

The new mayor said he is both humbled and excited to have been elected to the role, and pledged to work for “a better economy, a better environment, a better community, and a better place for us all to live.

“We need to be open, accountable and transparent – as Mayor that’s the task I set for myself,” Cr Crook said.

“I believe strongly in evidence-based decision-making, in acting with integrity, and doing the best we can.”

Cr Crook is a strong advocate of working together with people to find common ground and positive approaches.

Referencing Council’s vision statement, the new mayor said, “Together we can make East Gippsland an inclusive and innovative community that values our environment, puts people and communities at the centre of Council decision-making, and creates the conditions in which our communities can thrive.”

Cr Crook has a keen focus on creating a sustainable future for the shire through renewable energy, improved land management and tourism.

“We live in challenging times and we face many adversities, but with any challenge comes opportunity and I think here in East Gippsland we are well placed to grasp these opportunities and grasp the opportunities they present for our people, economy and environment.”

Cr Greacen, a retired GP from Bairnsdale, reiterated her commitment to “healthy community and healthy country.”

A live stream of the meeting is available on Council’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com.au/EastGippyTV

The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 14.