Monash Council councillor Paul Klisaris has been elected mayor for 2024-25, following the local government elections across Victoria.
This will be Klisaris’s fourth term as mayor, where he brings 24 years of experience in local government.
From the Wellington Ward, he has proven leadership with strong community connections and a deep understanding of local issues.
His expertise includes managing budgets, infrastructure development and social services.
Klisaris said he is excited about working alongside Deputy Mayor Brian Little and returning colleagues, as well as getting to know new councillors.
“Voters in Monash have entrusted us with the important job of guiding their local council and, as the level of government closest to its people, we take this very seriously,” he said in a media release.
He said they have several significant projects underway and are finalising a new Council Plan following community consultation last year.
These projects include the extension of Bogong Car Park in Glen Waverley to create more than 500 new parking spots and a new pavilion and facilities at Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh to provide Monash’s first National Premier League standard venue for soccer.
“We also need to continue to advocate for the best community outcomes in Monash from the Victorian Government’s Suburban Rail Loop project and their proposed housing and planning reforms. It is crucial that local voices and local government has input on these,” Klisaris said.
“As Mayor I will also continue Council’s advocacy to have stronger protections for Monash’s tree canopy and progress work on a new library and civic precinct in Glen Waverley.
“I thank the residents of Wellington Ward for choosing me as their councillor and my fellow councillors for electing me as Mayor.
“My thanks also go to everyone who ran for local government across Victoria and the Victorian Electoral Commission for coordinating the election, we are lucky to live in a country where everyone can have their say via the ballot box or put themselves forward for public office.”
