Cr Hood returned as Mayor and Cr Simpson elected Deputy Mayor

Published on 14 November 2023

Hepburn Shire Councillors have this evening returned Cr Brian Hood as Mayor and elected Cr Juliet Simpson as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Brian Hood thanked his fellow councillors for the opportunity to again lead the Council in the final year of this term.

“I am honoured to have been re-elected as Mayor of Hepburn Shire. Council has achieved much in the past year. As we enter the final year of our term there are significant and fundamental challenges before us as an organisation – including the extensive and ongoing program of road repair works and the pressing need for long term financial and strategic planning,” said Cr Hood.  

“I look forward to working with my councillor colleagues, the CEO and his executive team as we embrace those challenges on behalf of the community,” he said.

Cr Brian Hood was elected to the Coliban Ward in October 2020.  He has held a number of senior management positions across public and private sector organisations, mostly as a Chief Finance Officer. He is a company director and chair of the company that operates the Trentham & District Community Bank.  Cr Hood was an AFL level umpire and secretary of the AFL Umpires Association and is a life member of that organisation.

Cr Brian Hood acknowledged the contribution of former Deputy Mayor Lesley Hewitt.

“Cr Lesley Hewitt was a great support to me in my pervious term as Mayor. Her professionalism and dedication to our community is evident and much appreciated,” said Cr Hood.

“Congratulations to Cr Juliet Simpson on her election to the role of Deputy Mayor. I look forward to working closely with her,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Cr Juliet Simpson was elected to represent the Holcombe Ward in October 2020.

Council Chief Executive Officer Bradley Thomas extended his congratulations to Crs Hood and Simpson.

“Cr Hood has shown strong leadership throughout the Council term and has provided ongoing support for staff,” said Council Chief Executive Officer Bradley Thomas.

“We have a lot to achieve in the coming year to deliver the final actions of the Council Plan 2021-25. It is a challenging environment for local government, but we look forward to working closely with Councillors in a positive way for the community,” said Mr Thomas.

“I congratulate Cr Simpson on her endorsement as Deputy Mayor and thank Cr Lesley Hewitt for her contribution in the role over the last 12 months.  With Cr Hood and Cr Simpson in these roles, the community can be confident of continued transparency and good governance,” he said.