Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong’s first three-time female mayor has now become only the second mayor in Maribyrnong’s history to achieve Emeritus Status, the highest recognition for distinguished service in local government leadership.
Cr Sarah Carter received the Mayor Emeritus Award, presented to councillors who have served three or more full terms as mayor.
Cr Carter was joined by Councillor Cuc Lam, Councillor Michael Clarke and chief executive Celia Haddock at the 2023 Municipal Association of Victoria Victorian Councillor Service Awards.
These awards celebrate the exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment by long serving councillors across the state, with an emphasis on years of service milestones.
Mayor Carter’s 15 years of continuous service was also recognised. First elected in 2008 this is her fourth consecutive term on council including mayoral terms in 2011, 2020, and 2023.
When elected as mayor last November, she also achieved the remarkable feat of being the first third-term female mayor in 163 years of civic administration, not just in the history of Maribyrnong but also its predecessor, the City of Footscray.
Cr Clarke, who achieved Mayor Emeritus status in 2022, this year also received an award recognising his 15 years of service on council, which included consecutive terms from 2005 through to 2016 before being re-elected in 2020.
Current deputy mayor, Cr Lam, was also acknowledged for her 10 years as a local councillor. First elected in 2000 and then again in 2016, including a term as mayor in 2018, she was also re-elected in 2020.
