New Council elects Cr Kris Bolam Mayor, Cr Steffie Conroy Deputy Mayor
Published on 21 November 2024
21 November 2024
Frankston City has welcomed Ballam Ward Councillor Kris Bolam JP as the new Mayor for 2024-2025. This marks Cr Bolam’s third term as Mayor, serving previously in 2010-2011 and 2020-2021, and his fourth term as a Frankston City Councillor.
Cr Steffie Conroy will become Deputy Mayor, following her election to Council for the first time for the Lyrebird Ward.
Crs Bolam and Conroy were elected by Councillors at the 20 November Council Meeting, during which all Councillors took oaths of office following the Local Government elections on October 26th.
A Frankston City resident for more than 25 years and first elected to Council in 2008 at the age of 22, Cr Bolam said he was more committed than ever to delivering the best outcomes for the community.
“As Mayor I will ensure that good governance, transparency and informed decision-making underpin everything we do as Councillors, and that our community enjoys the strong leadership and advocacy it deserves.”
“As someone who has worked closely with the community over many years, I’ve long known how much potential Frankston City holds for those who choose to live, work or invest in our municipality,” he said.
“Through the revitalisation of our CBD already underway, the continued delivery of major community infrastructure projects, and the ongoing beautification of our city, we can now fulfil that potential and become Victoria’s number one place to live work and play.”
Cr Bolam also cited cost of living and supporting the vulnerable as key priorities for the year ahead.
“As candidates during the election campaign, we heard loud and clear the impact that rising costs have had on households in our community. Council will explore options to help alleviate those pressures, stimulate increased investment and ensure continued services for those experiencing severe hardship.”
Cr Steffie Conroy said she was excited to be working closely with the Mayor and the new Councillor group at such an important time for the City.
“With Frankston experiencing unprecedented change and growth, it’s a fantastic time to take on the role of Deputy Mayor, and I look forward to working with the Mayor and Councillors to help shape our future in the interests of all in our community.”
Frankston City Council CEO Phil Cantillon congratulated the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and new Councillor group, saying each had undertaken a significant journey to get to this point.
“Candidates invest so much of their time and energy to the election process, reflecting an inherent dedication and passion for their community that our new Councillors will now bring into action.”
“With Cr Bolam as Mayor and Cr Conroy as Deputy, our new Councillor group has the vision, commitment, and expertise to take Frankston forward with absolute confidence, and on behalf of everyone at Frankston City Council, I look forward to what can be achieved over the next four years.”
This year’s local government elections were held across nine single-Councillor wards in Frankston City, and delivered a combination of new and experienced Councillors to the chamber.
Alongside Cr Steffie Conroy, first-term councillors include Crs Cherie Wanat (Elisabeth Murdoch Ward), Emily Green (Kananook Ward) and Nathan Butler (Yamala Ward), while Cr Sue Baker (Pines Ward) begins her second term. Crs Michael O’Reilly (Centenary Park Ward) and Brad Hill (Derinya Ward) will be serving their third terms on Council, with Cr David Asker (Wilton Ward) joining Cr Bolam in commencing a fourth term at Frankston City.
(left to right): Cr Nathan Butler, Mayor Kris Bolam, Cr Sue Baker, Cr David Asker, Cr Cherie Wanat, Cr Michael O’Reilly, Cr Emily Green, Cr Brad Hill and Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy.