Crs Hyslop and Hide re-elected to lead council for 2025-26
Published on 10 November 2025
Caption: Cr Karen Hyslop (right) and Cr Justine Hide have been re-elected as Northern Grampians Shire mayor and deputy mayor respectively for 2025-26.
Cr Karen Hyslop has been returned as Northern Grampians Shire mayor for 2025-26 at a statutory meeting in Stawell tonight.
In a vote for continuity, Cr Justine Hide was also re-elected as deputy mayor for a second term.
The pair will continue to serve alongside Crs Jenny Greenberger, Jack Blake, Murray Emerson and Karen Probst, who are looking forward to embarking on their second year of a four-year council term.
Cr Hyslop said councillors had enjoyed a busy 12 months, helping deliver several key plans and strategic documents designed to shape the municipality for the next four to 10 years.
“We have had a massive year, developing our four-year Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, along with several other plans and documents that set the direction for our shire and our people,” she said.
“The highlight for us has been the community engagement process, and we thank our community for their heavy involvement in telling us what they do and don’t want for our region’s future.
“The information and opinions we received throughout the process has helped shape our strategic direction for the next four years and also informed our 10-year asset and financial plans.
“My fellow councillors and I look forward to continuing the work we embarked on this year and look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the next 12 months.”
Cr Hyslop thanked council chief executive Brent McAlister, directors and staff for their support and hard work.
“Right from the get-go, I feel council has been incredibly well-supported by Brent and all the council staff, who do such great work,” she said.
“It’s important for councillors to have good relationships, but equally important we work well with organisational leaders and staff to really be able to do our best for our community.”
Cr Hyslop said she was honoured to be entrusted with the role of mayor for another term.
“It’s been well-documented our next chapter has been influenced by a range of factors, including a small population base from which to generate rate income; reduced funding opportunities from state and federal governments; and cost of living pressures,” she said.
“Despite these challenges, you can rest assured we will continue to work hard to ensure Northern Grampians Shire is a wonderful place to live, work, invest and visit.”
Cr Hide said she was excited to continue her role as deputy mayor.
“Although I have been completely new to this role and many challenges have been presented, I have felt very much supported by my fellow councillors, the CEO and Northern Grampians Shire team, along with guidance from our mayor,” she said.
“Knowing I had such strong support meant I was able to dive right in, which has enabled me to achieve so much already.
“I look forward to the next 12 months.”