Meet your new Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Published on 27 November 2025

Following an Extraordinary Meeting of Council last night, Bunjil Ward councillor Naomi Joiner has been elected Mayor and Swipers Gully Ward councillor Kate McKay has been elected Deputy Mayor. The term for both roles is 12 months.

Cr Joiner served as Deputy Mayor for the past year and said she looks forward to representing the community as Mayor.

“I put my hand up for this role because I want to represent the great women of Nillumbik. When women step into leadership, we don't just change what the room looks like. We change how the room feels. We bring empathy, fresh ideas, resilience, and a deep commitment to community,” Cr Joiner said.

“To our community: I want to be there to celebrate your achievements, share your stories of success, advocate for the infrastructure needed to play your sports, and lobby for public transport that allows us to age in our homes and still have access to services,” she said.

Cr McKay said she looks forward to leading with compassion and a community-centred approach.

“I truly believe that leading with kindness is the best way to any resolution,” Cr McKay said.

“When we show excellence together, this flows down to our community members and leads to putting people first,” Cr McKay said.

Nillumbik’s seven councillors elect a mayor and deputy each November. The councillors thanked outgoing mayor, Cr John Dumaresq, for his service and commitment to the community over the past year.

Read about your ward councillor at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/councillors

Photo: Incoming Mayor, Cr Naomi Joiner (left) with new Deputy Mayor, Cr Kate McKay.