The Manningham community has welcomed a new Mayor - Warrandyte resident, school teacher and mother of three, Councillor Carli Lange.
The Yarra Ward Councillor was unanimously elected to the position by her peers at last night’s Annual Meeting (2 November 2023).
Cr Lange is a passionate advocate for the local community with her fellow councillors praising her for her energy, impartiality, empathy and work ethic.
Cr Lange will be supported in her new role by Deputy Mayor, Cr Laura Mayne who was also elected unanimously last night. Cr L Mayne congratulated Cr Lange and said the new Mayor was truly deserving of the role as a compassionate, community-oriented leader, deeply connected to her community.
“Manningham is so lucky to have someone leading them with a heart as big as Cr Lange,” Cr Mayne said.
This sentiment was echoed by outgoing Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante.
“I know you will be a wonderful Mayor. You have a really strong spine and warm heart and that’s what we need in a Mayor. “I’m sure your school students will be extremely proud and what an amazing example of a leader you are for them.”
Manningham Council CEO, Andrew Day congratulated Cr Lange on behalf of the organisation.
“We will wrap our arms around you and have no doubt you will be up to the challenge,” Mr Day said.
“You are approachable and easy to work with. You have a really strong sense of getting the job done and we will do everything we possibly can to make this one of the greatest years of your life!”
Cr Lange said she was blown away by the support of family, friends and community, and committed to her fellow Councillors priorities of governing with diligence, transparency, inclusivity and efficiency.
Cr Lange added that she would serve with open-mindedness and empathy while upholding the organisation’s values and achieving the growing community’s priorities through the Council Plan.
“We are lucky to live in this city, where we value sustainable, healthy living, a sense of belonging and respect for one another,” Cr Lange said.
“Let’s enjoy this year together; let’s bring out the best in each other and let’s work with all levels of government to bring about the best outcomes for our community.
“Let’s provide a solid foundation, ensure efficiency and stability. Let me work with you as your Mayor for we are Manningham!”
The Councillors and Mr Day thanked outgoing Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante for her valued contribution and leadership over the past year.
Cr Diamante lead with poise and passion. Among her many achievements during the Mayoral term, Cr Diamante worked tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for people living with dementia, her dedication resulting in Manningham’s first dementia-friendly cafe.
Cr Diamante’s term also saw the roll out of the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) and community bus services.
Cr Diamante said it had been an honour to serve as Mayor in the city where she grew up and that she had enjoyed building relationships with community members from all walks of life.
Cr Diamante said she particularly enjoyed one-on-one meetings with residents and welcoming 1400 new citizens to Manningham.
“We’ve done a lot of work this year Councillors and we’ve achieved all of this together.”
