City of Greater Bendigo’s mayor Margaret O’Rourke and deputy mayor Rod Fyffe put their hands up for re-election

Councillors on Monday met behind closed doors to pitch their cases for the leadership roles, but only incumbent mayor Margaret O’Rourke and deputy mayor Rod Fyffe have publicly declared their intentions. 

Four-time mayor Rod Fyffe, who last held the mayoral position in 2015-16, said his experience at the helm of council could prove important with an upcoming state government election in November, 2018.

Related: Race to become City of Greater Bendigo's next mayor takes shape

“I hope that I can be the mayor again,” Cr Fyffe said. 

“I think basically I have got the experience and while the new councillors are busy trying to learn the ropes – and they’re doing a great job of that – having someone with my experience will allow them to concentrate on that.

“I’ve got good relations with the community, good relations with council and politicians.” 

Cr Fyffe, who nominated for both positions, said the opportunity for him to become re-elected as mayor came at the right time in the council’s cycle. 

“It's about the skill set that's needed at the moment - I think I have got that skill set,” he said.

Mayor Margaret O’Rourke confirmed she nominated herself for re-election but was unavailable for an interview on Thursday.

Cr O’Rourke proved the most popular candidate in a recent Bendigo Advertiser online poll, which asked the question: “Who do you think Bendigo’s next mayor should be?”

Councillors Matt Emond, Yvonne Wrigglesworth and Jennifer Alden were unavailable for comment.

Whipstick Ward councillors Andrea Metcalf, Julie Hoskin and James Williams told the Bendigo Advertiser in August they were not interested in the top job, as did George Flack, representative for the Eppalock Ward. 

Councillors will vote on a new leadership team on Monday, with a mayor-elect expected to be announced that day. 

The new mayor and deputy mayor will be officially sworn in at a special council meeting in November.