TIM Hayes was voted Hepburn Shire mayor last week at a statutory meeting at a packed Daylesford Town Hall.
The Cameron ward councillor was elected un-opposed as former mayor David Smith decided against nominating for the role.
Ratepayers and supporters occupied every seat at the meeting on Friday night.
In his first mayoral address, Cr Hayes said his election meant he had an important role to play in guiding the council through current turmoil.
"Although I feel some sense of honour and privilege at being elected mayor, I am persuaded more by a sense of duty and responsibility, not ambition," Cr Hayes said.
"There is no denying that, like the majority of councils in Victoria, we do face some governance issues and these can be overcome as a direct result of our behaviour.
"If this council is to provide good governance for the people of Hepburn Shire, we all need to change the way we behave."
He urged fellow councillors to retain confidentiality over recent secret meetings.
"We need to respect the need for confidentiality, particularly in regard to matters affecting the reputation of individuals. Not only because it is the proper and decent thing to do, but because it's the law," the incumbent said.
Clunes Tourist and Development Association president Graeme Johnstone said Cr Hayes's election would benefit Clunes.
Outgoing mayor David Smith said Cr Hayes would be a capable leader of the shire.
"I enjoyed my term as mayor. The Governor's tour this week capped off the year," Cr Smith said.
Cr Smith said he only decided not to re-nominate last Thursday.
"It's a big commitment and I wanted to think it through properly," he said.
Cr Smith also paid tribute to his wife Rhonda, who he said had provided "tremendous support" during his term.
Cr Smith said during his term as mayor there had been many achievements.
"Many of these have been partnership projects between community, council and other levels of government and a range of organisations.
"This ability to work together is representative of so many of our residents and communities and is the very reason that I delight in representing the beautiful Shire of Hepburn.
"My role as mayor has been fulfilling and rewarding and I thank you all for the opportunity," Cr Smith said.
Cr Hayes has been a Hepburn Shire councillor for 19 months.
He is part owner of the Widow Twankey's confectionary shop in Clunes and has become heavily involved in community life since moving to the area 10 years ago.
Cr Hayes started his career in Local Government at the City of Brunswick. He has worked at the City of Camberwell and the Shire of Kilmore, as Shire Secretary. His last position prior to the amalgamations of the 1990s was
Corporate Services Manager with the former City of Richmond.
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