This becomes Cr Hearn’s third term as mayor of Benalla Rural City, having previously served in the role from November 2021 to November 2023.
Cr Justin King was re-elected as deputy mayor, reaffirming his commitment to supporting councillors in their work to serve the Benalla community.
Both the mayor and deputy mayor will serve for a period of 12 months.
Cr Hearn thanked her peers for entrusting her with the role.
“I’m both excited and honoured by the opportunity to serve the Benalla Rural City community once again, and I look forward to the work ahead,” Cr Hearn said.
“It is an incredible privilege to be elected as mayor of Benalla Rural City for another term, thank you to my fellow councillors for placing your trust in me."
The meeting also marked the official swearing-in of councillors for the 2024-2028 term.
The councillors are David Blore, Peter Davis, Puna Gunaratne, Bernie Hearn, Justin King, Jillian Merkel and Nathan Tolliday.
Among them, Cr Blore, Cr Merkel and Cr Tolliday are newly elected representatives to council.
“I would also like to extend a congratulations and warm welcome to my fellow councillors,” Cr Hearn said.
“We have some returning faces as well as some new faces, all of whom will play a critical role in shaping the future of our beautiful city.”
Cr King said he was looking forward to continuing his role.
“Congratulations to Cr Hearn for your appointment to the mayorship, I look forward, as your deputy, to working alongside you once again,” Cr King said.
“I know through your leadership and the skills that you bring to the table that we are in safe hands for the next 12 months.
“Benalla Rural City Council is committed to working collaboratively to support the needs of the community over the coming term.”
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