Two Greek Australian women have secured prominent positions in local councils following recent elections, marking a significant milestone.
Melina Sehr, Greek on her mother’s side, has been elected Mayor of Stonnington for the 2024-2025 term, while Labor’s Helen Politis takes on the role of Deputy Mayor in Merri-bek.
Melina Sehr, a longtime councillor representing the Greville ward for over 23 years, returns as Mayor of Stonnington. Sehr is a Prahran native with extensive experience, having previously served multiple terms as mayor and deputy mayor. For her new term, Tom Humphries will serve as Deputy Mayor alongside her.
The Stonnington City Council also includes Greek Australians Jami Klisaris (Malvern Valley Ward) and Steve Stefanopoulos (Wattletree Ward), reflecting strong representation in the area.
In Merri-bek, Helen Politis has been elected Deputy Mayor, working alongside newly elected Mayor Helen Davidson. Politis, from Harmony Park ward, expressed gratitude to her community and council colleagues, stating, “It’s a great opportunity to serve as the first Deputy Mayor in this new council term. Together, we aim to listen and act in the best interests of Merri-bek’s community.”
Merri-bek’s former mayor the Greens’ Angelica Panopoulos was defeated by Helen Politis last month.
Davidson had also served as mayor in 2016 in of the City of Moreland as it was then called, ran as an independent and together Politis and her, “broke” the Greens’ streak of three consecutive mayors in Merri-bek.
Davidson, an independent councillor and lawyer from Glenroy, was first elected in 2012 and previously served as Merri-bek’s mayor in 2016. Her victory marks a break from the Greens’ leadership streak in the council, succeeding Angelica Panopoulos, who lost her seat this year.
The council also includes Greek Australian Katerine Theodosis (Westbreen Ward), further showcasing the community’s strong presence.
Across Victoria, at least 17 candidates of Greek heritage won council seats in the recent elections, underscoring their growing influence in local government. Notable winners include:
Paul Klisaris, re-elected as Mayor of Monash for a fourth term.
Jim Grivas (Manningham), Virginia Tachos (Brimbank), Chris Pattas (Boroondara), and others across councils such as Darebin, Kingston, and Greater Geelong.
Elections for mayors and deputy mayors in Darebin, Moyne Shire, Moonee Valley, and Greater Geelong are still pending and are expected to conclude in the coming days.
