Meet your new Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Mayor Cr Kowarzik – the current councillor for Pakenham Hills Ward – said it was an immense privilege to be given the opportunity to represent the Cardinia Shire community as Mayor.  

“Leadership in this job is about doing what’s right for our community,” said Mayor Cr Kowarzik.  

He cited the high cost of living, family violence, climate change, and local infrastructure and employment shortages as challenges currently being faced in the municipality.  

“That’s why it’s important that our council continues to work together to achieve the things that truly matter.  

“It’s so important that we are united in our commitment to delivering for our community, in improving the lives of Cardinia Shire residents,” the Mayor said.    

“I love our shire’s diversity – both human and geographic – and I want to make Cardinia Shire better for residents now, and better still for the residents who will live here and make up our communities into the future.”  

The Mayor congratulated and thanked the outgoing Mayor, Cr Tammy Radford, for “a fantastic year in the top job”.  

“With a focus on advocacy, governance, relationship-building, and strengthening the protections of all councillors, I hope you are proud of what you’ve achieved”.  

The Mayor finished addressing the council chambers by thanking his family, “but particularly my wife Sara for her support, love and friendship, and my children Ned and Franklin for being my inspiration”.  

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Mayor Cr Graeme Moore said he is looking forward to taking on the role of Deputy Mayor and working alongside the new Mayor. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be Deputy Mayor in the final year of this current council term, and to support my colleague and friend, Mayor Cr Kowarzik,” Cr Moore said. 

“This role is one that I take very seriously, and I will use this platform to better serve the Cardinia Shire community.” 

Outgoing Mayor Cr Tammy Radford congratulated the shire’s newly elected Mayor and extended her thanks to the community.  

“I am extremely proud to have served as your Mayor in 2022-23, and I’m looking forward to working alongside my fellow councillors in the final term of this council to better connect our community and improve the life of all citizens,” Cr Radford said. 

This is the final year of the current (2020-2024) council term, with a new council to be elected in November 2024 for the subsequent 4 years.   

The next Council meeting will be held on Monday 20 November at 7pm in the Council Chambers at 20 Siding Avenue, Officer.  

All Council meetings are livestreamed (and past meetings can be viewed) at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/webcast 

To learn more about your Mayor and councillors, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/mayorandcouncillors