Jennifer Pittorino
Councillor Cuc Lam has been elected as mayor of Maribyrnong for the next 12 months.
The Stony Creek Ward councillor was promoted from her 2022-23 position as deputy mayor at a council meeting on Wednesday, November 8. Cr Lam beat councillor Bernadette Thomas for the mayoral position, receiving the majority of votes.
This is Cr Lam’s second mayoral term, having first being elected mayor in 2017-18. She has served on council for 10 years, having first being elected in 2000 and then again in 2016.
She said she is feeling grateful towards her fellow councillors for voting her in as mayor.
“I am honoured to be trusted with the responsibility of leading the city,” she said.
Cr Lam said she plans to work closely with the Asian, refugee and elderly communities.
“I want to listen to these people and be available for them,” she said. “I want them to know they can come and talk to me, email me and share a cup of coffee with me, I will be available.
“As mayor I will consult with my fellow counsellors and share ideas to provide the best service to the community.”
Cr Lam said within the next year she will focus on building a multicultural community into Maribyrnong.
“I will be advocating for the old Footscray hospital site, looking into cultures, working with local residents and businesses,” she said,
“I would love to bring business back to the area, I also look forward to sharing milestone birthdays with our residents when they turn 100.”
Cr Lam said she has learnt a lot from her predecessor councillor Sarah Carter while she was deputy mayor.
“She is a very intelligent counsellor and I have learnt a lot from her, although I do have a different style and a different way of doing things which has developed over the last 10 years.”
Cr Clarke was elected deputy mayor for 2023-24.
