Councillor Anita Rank has been re-elected for a historic sixth term as Glenelg Shire Mayor for the 2021/22 year. 

The Portland-based councillor and former schoolteacher, who was first elected to the chamber in 2012, was re-elected by majority vote at last week’s statutory council meeting. 

Portland-based councillor Scott Martin was elected deputy mayor, stepping into the role for the first time since being elected in 2020. 

The re-election makes Mayor Rank the first Glenelg Shire councillor to serve as mayor for six consecutive terms. 

“I am proud and also humbled to be appointed for a sixth term as Mayor of the Glenelg Shire,” Mayor Rank said.  

“The next 12 months will be crucial in rebuilding our communities post the pandemic, with a focus on re-energising local tourism, supporting our small businesses who have felt the brunt of restrictions and closures, enhancing social connections and the return of our iconic suite of events. 

“We are also in a unique position to take advantage of families seeking opportunities beyond metropolitan areas, creating growth in regional communities such as ours. 

“As a council team we are also looking forward to implementing our new Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan, which details our priorities and actions for the next four years. This is an exciting roadmap that will link to our budgets, transforming key priorities into projects and initiatives. 

“Our council plan will see the delivery of our major works programs and new community infrastructure. Projects that will rejuvenate and revitalise our Shire for generations to come are included in this Plan, such as the Alexandra Park redevelopment, the new multi-purpose facility at the Portland Foreshore and sustainable and accessible upgrades to Cape Bridgewater. 

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for our Shire and I look forward to taking those opportunities that lay ahead for our region.”