Cr Shirley Cornish and Cr Pat Hockey elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Published on 11 November 2026

Cr Shirley Cornish has been elected Mayor for a 12-month term, in the third year of the current four-year Council term, at Council’s Statutory Meeting on 10 November 2026.

Cr Pat Hockey has been elected Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months. 

Both Cr Cornish and Cr Hockey were first elected as councillor for Hepburn Shire Council in the 2024 Local Government elections.

Cr Cornish said she was honoured and humbled to have been elected Mayor and was looking forward to the work and year ahead, working together with fellow councillors, Interim CEO Janet Dore and staff, spending less time looking backwards, and more time moving Hepburn Shire forward.

“Thank you to outgoing Mayor Cr Tony Clark for his commitment, his contribution and the time and energy he devoted to the role,” said Cr Cornish.

“The coming 12 months will be important for Hepburn Shire. We have an opportunity to rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships and restore a strong sense of purpose. My priorities will be community first, strong governance, financial responsibility and a united council,” continued Cr Cornish.

Cr Hockey: “This group of councillors has been made considerably stronger by the challenges that have been set before it. I look forward enormously to supporting the Mayor over the course of the next twelve months and working with my fellow councillors to see the growth of a deep confidence and appreciation of the work of the council”.

Hepburn Shire Council Interim CEO, Janet Dore congratulated Cr Cornish and Cr Hockey and said she was confident they would bring great commitment to their new roles.

“Council has some significant challenges ahead, and strong leadership from Crs Cornish and Hockey will be critical to building a financially sustainable future.”  

"My thanks to Cr Clark for his work as Mayor and guidance for me as Interim CEO," continued Ms Dore.