Mount Gambier City Council has elected a new deputy mayor with Councillor Max Bruins being declared the winner of a secret ballot.

Fellow councillors Josh Lynagh and Kate Amoroso also nominated for the recently vacated position.

The election of a deputy mayor was required after former councillor Ben Hood resigned from council last month.

Mr Hood was elected to fill a casual vacancy in the Legislative Council and will serve in the Upper House until the 2026 State Election.

Council chief executive Sarah Philpott received nominations from Cr Bruins and Cr Lynagh by close of business on March 14, however Cr Amoroso was a late submission, self-nominating at council’s meeting on March 21.

Cr Bruins will serve for a term of 20 months.

At the end of his term as deputy mayor the position will be open for re-election to enable another councillor the opportunity to fulfil the role.

Mayor Lynette Martin congratulated Cr Bruins on his appointment.

“It is an important role and I know you will work with councillors to continue to ensure the best outcomes to grow our economy and for our residents,” Mayor Martin said.

Cr Bruins has been an elected member on City Council since 2018.

In his pre-election campaign Cr Bruins said the past four years had taught him there was no substitute for dedication, accountability and commitment.

“You have to show up, do the research and make decisions that are educated and informed – something that I have prided myself on over this past term,” he said.

“The only agenda I have is to better the future of Mount Gambier.”

Cr Bruins is a born and bred local, with a career in the finance sector taking him to Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney before settling back home in Mount Gambier.