Councillor Danny Claridge has been elected Benalla Rural City Council mayor, following a special council meeting held this evening.
Cr Claridge was elected unopposed and will hold the position until November 23, 2020.
The new mayor addressed his fellow councillors following the appointment, saying he was both proud and honoured to be elected as "mayor of our great city".
"I commit myself to serving Benalla with energy, pride and integrity," Cr Claridge said.
Cr Claridge's appointment was also a rare historical moment, with the new mayor following in his wife Pat's footsteps following her tenure as Benalla Rural City Council mayor from 2006-2008.
He takes over duties from Cr Scott Upston, who assumed the role last year.
In the same meeting, Cr Bernie Hearn was elected deputy mayor, and will take over duties from Cr Peter Davis.
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