This will be Cr Akers first time serving as deputy mayor since being elected to council in 2024.
Cr Akers was elected deputy mayor for a one-year term.
In his deputy mayor address, Cr Akers said he looked forward to working with the councillors and council staff to deliver the priorities set over this past year, and to serve the Greater Shepparton community.
“It has been an honour to commit to setting a positive and unified direction for Greater Shepparton,” he said.
“Together we have developed a clear council plan for the next four years — to build a diverse, vibrant and connected community with opportunities for everybody.
“As councillors, our task is now to take that direction and bring our community with us.
“I see my role as one of support to the mayor, to my fellow councillors and to our community.
“It is about being able to step up seamlessly when required, to uphold a culture of transparency and integrity, and to encourage open and respectful discussion and questioning,” Cr Akers said.
He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and has worked in agricultural science, before moving into agricultural extension, working with farmers and educating them on farming practices.
He has been involved in research and development, having chaired the boards of Murray Dairy at a regional level and the Board of Dairy Australia at a national level.
He was the VFF Water Council chairman and was appointed by the Victorian Government to the Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Project which led the $2 billion irrigation upgrade across northern Victoria.
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