The mayor

There is some speculation about who will be mayor of the Port Phillip Council following the election on Saturday 27.
Lets hope it's not as dramatic as what occurred in Sandridge in 1862 when Councillor Pickles was kidnapped to prevent him participating in the vote for chairman. In his absence he was elected chairman by the casting vote of Councillor Morley as there were three votes each for Dr Plummer and Councillor Pickles.
Pickles was down at Railway Pier when he was told a tall story by two watermen who induced him to get into a boat on a dodgy pretext. When out to sea they told him that there was a plan afoot to make him chairman. "He remonstrated with them, and actually got out his knife when the second man told him to put it up, or it would be worse for him. Both of them told him they were to get 10 pounds for keeping him out of the way till nine o'clock that night, and if he got on shore before they would not get the money."  More of this intriguing tale and Pickles account is in the Argus on Saturday 9 August 1862.

with outgoing Mayor Rachel Powning at the final council meeting
an outstanding leader of Port Phillip in 2011 and 2012
picture Simon Kosmer

 The mayor provides a critical leadership role on Council. The only statutory role outlined in the Local Government Act is that the mayor must preside at Council meetings. In practice, the role is so much more. The mayor not only represents the Council in the community and is the spokesperson for the Council, but also needs to be skilful in facilitating the councillor group to work together towards Council's collectively agreed plan.