And, in a move from the tradition of the past two years where the position has remained vacant, Cr Janine Booth has been appointed deputy mayor.

The remaining five councillors are Jon Barrell, Rod May, Sebastian Klein, Don Henderson and Tim Hayes.

Being voted to the top job comes after a tumultuous year for Cr McClenaghan, who late last year was found guilty by a council-appointed investigator of bullying former CEO Victor Szwed.

He has strenuously denied the claims and despite them being forwarded to both WorkSafe and the Office of Local Government, neither organisation has followed through with further investigations or findings.

Last week CEO Kaylene Conrick said Cr McClenaghan and Cr Booth had both shown "great dedication to the community".

"Their experience as councillors, having both been on the previous council, will be valuable in leading the new council in its future endeavours," she said.

"The new council is committed to fostering team work and working towards unified goals."

Cr McClenaghan said that his goals as a councillor and mayor centred on "leading a united council that worked together as a dynamic functional `Team Hepburn Shire' ".

"Councillors should be able to express their views frankly and fearlessly although respectfully and honestly," he said.

"In good Australian democratic tradition, there should always be robust debate on issues but never destructive arguments.

"I want to see the many communities in the shire engaged and empowered to realise and achieve their goals because every council should take their communities with them.

"Far more is achieved by a strong partnership between council and community."

Cr Booth said she welcomed the opportunity to be deputy mayor and for the council to move forward and embrace a new beginning.

"With a new mayor, new CEO and new council it is a great opportunity to put the past behind us and start afresh," she said,

The new council meets at the Daylesford Town Hall on Wednesday, December 17, at 7pm.