There’s a changing of the guard at Ararat Rural City Council. 

Councillor Jo Armstrong has stepped away from the top job of mayor after four years, with Cr Bob Sanders appointed her successor at a statutory meeting in Ararat last week. 

Cr Armstrong will serve as deputy mayor for the coming year, leading into local government elections. 

Both were elected unopposed to the roles. 

Cr Sanders, an Ararat district resident, was elected to council in 2020. 

His professional background includes agriculture, correctional services and small business and he is a long-time volunteer of various organisations including the County Fire Authority and Lions. 

He said the council would remain focused on delivering goals set out in the council plan across the coming year. 

“To have the trust of this position placed upon me by my fellow councillors is an honour and privilege,” Cr Sanders said.

“I would like to pay homage to our previous Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong for her outstanding service through leadership.

“As a council, we have achieved a lot – including six years without a rate rise and we maintained community assets during financially difficult times.

“We’re getting things done more efficiently than ever before, and delivering more social, economic and environmental outcomes to the community that will ensure our municipality continues to thrive.” 

Outgoing mayor Cr Armstrong congratulated Cr Sanders on his appointment.

“I wanted to thank the community and my fellow councillors for their support over the past four years,” Cr Armstrong said.

“I know that success comes from a united approach to leadership and working collaboratively with the community. 

“Bob has demonstrated these capabilities through years of service, and I look forward to supporting him in his term as mayor.”