Glenelg Shire Mayor and Deputy locked in

Published on 19 November 2025

Glenelg Shire Council sees the re-election of Mayor Cr Karen Stephens and welcomes first time Councillor Matt Jowett as Deputy Mayor.

The re-election of Mayor Stephens sees experience and stability continue to guide Council for the next 12 months.

Councillor Karen Stephens was elected by her fellow Councillors as the Mayor of Glenelg Shire Council at tonight’s Statutory Meeting, with Cr Matt Jowett elected as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Stephens, who is based in Casterton, was first elected in 2002 and boasts more than two decades of experience as a Councillor. She will now serve her fifth term as Mayor, having previously held the role in 2004–05, 2012–13, 2023–24, and 2024–25.

Cr Stephens said it was “a privilege and honour to be re-elected as Mayor”.

“This past year has been one of significant progress, strategic planning, and bold investment in our future and I look forward to building on this momentum,” she reflected.

“We endorsed the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029, supported by our Long-Term Financial Plan 2025–2035, ensuring we have strong priorities shaped by our community and financial sustainability to achieve them.

“This year has also had its challenges, and Council ensured our local voices were heard. We strongly advocated for our community as the State Government imposed new taxes on our rate payers at the same time as our primary producers faced the worst drought in many years.

“Our efforts led to a pause in the full cost of the ESVF and over $3.6 million in drought relief rebates for primary producers.

“As we look to the future, I’m confident Glenelg Shire is poised for continued growth and resilience. I am proud to continue serving as Mayor for the next 12 months, building upon the strong relationships and partnerships we’ve established and ensuring the hard work of the past year is carried forward.”

Cr Jowett, based in Portland, was elected to Council in 2024. This is his first time elected to the position of Deputy Mayor.

“I’m deeply grateful to the community for entrusting me with this role and to my fellow Councillors for their confidence in electing me as Deputy Mayor,” he said.

“I look forward to working alongside the Mayor for the next 12 months and supporting the enormous amount of work she does for our community. Together, we’ll ensure Glenelg Shire remains a vibrant, sustainable and welcoming place to live, work and visit.”

Cr Stephens closed by thanking Cr McDonald for her work and incredible community service over the last 12 months as Deputy Mayor.