Noble Park North Ward Councillor Lana Formoso has been elected Mayor of Greater Dandenong City Council.
Cr Formoso grew up in Greater Dandenong and continues to raise her family in Dandenong North.
Elected to Council in 2020, serving most recently as Deputy Mayor, Mayor Formoso thanked her fellow Councillors for the great honour.
“It is such a privilege to be elected as Mayor of Greater Dandenong City Council. I have a genuine heartfelt connection to this city as it has always been my home.
“I was born and raised in Dandenong, went to school here and now find myself alongside educators who once taught me.
“I am looking forward to working closely with our CEO Jacqui Weatherill and the executive team and staff who are dedicated and committed to our community.
“I would like to thank outgoing Mayor Cr Eden Foster for her great work and the many positive achievements she oversaw in her time as Mayor.
“I am proud to be part of one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia. I am passionate about speaking up, taking part and accepting responsibility to represent and improve Greater Dandenong.
“Our community has its challenges, but our diversity is certainly our strength. The wealth of culture, customs and knowledge that we all share, honour and celebrate, is what makes our city so special and unique.
“As a Council we are committed to our community’s vision of our city being a home to all. Greater Dandenong is a place where you can enjoy and embrace life through celebration and equal opportunity.
“Over the next 12 months I look forward to being a part of the many ways our community celebrate its cultural traditions and special occasions.
“Many major projects will continue to develop, including the new Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, the Keysborough South Community Hub and the Dandenong Community Hub.
“We also expect to see the completion of the Dandenong New Art Gallery, which will be an exciting addition to the artistic and cultural fabric of our community.
“I will be particularly pleased when the Noble Park Athletics track is completed. A project Cr O’Reilly and I have been a part of since its inception.
“As a physical education/health teacher I am passionate about enhancing people’s health and wellbeing, so I will continue to work hard to improve our open spaces, increase our tree canopy coverage, and increase and improve our sports facilities and playgrounds.
“Our advocacy to the State Government to help us fund the $100 million-plus Dandenong Oasis redevelopment will also be a priority in the year ahead. I am also extremely pleased that the rectangular sports stadium in Dandenong is back on the public agenda. It would potentially be home for Melbourne City A-League and W-League sides which will be a huge benefit to our city and region.
“One of the many reasons I ran for Council was to improve the road safety in our municipality, in particular the Stud Road pedestrian crossing which I have been advocating for since 2013. I will not stop until it’s delivered.
“I will also maintain my advocacy for a new fit-for-purpose facility for the Dandenong SES Unit. As a proud member, I know how significant their emergency management support is to our Greater Dandenong community,” said the Mayor.
Mayor Formoso acknowledged her devoted husband Daniel, two boys Luka and Hugo, mother Radina, and extended family and friends for their incredible support and inspiration.
“I will strive to make our community a better place, a healthier, improved place for future generations.
“To our vibrant community, I promise to dedicate myself to work diligently for you as Mayor of this incredible city. I will collaborate and work closely with Council’s executive team, staff and thriving community to enhance Greater Dandenong, and to make it an even more exceptional place in which to live, work, play and raise our families,” said the Mayor.