Frankston City Council has elected Cr Sue Baker as Mayor for the 2025–26 term, with Cr Cherie Wanat chosen as Deputy Mayor, confirming a refreshed leadership line-up at the city.
Their appointments coincide with the arrival of incoming Chief Executive Officer Tennille Bradley and mark the first time Frankston City has been led by a female Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO. It is also the first all-female councillor leadership team for the municipality.
Cr Baker, who represents the Pines Ward and has previously served across two council terms, enters the role after several years on key governance bodies, including the Audit and Risk Committee and the Housing Advisory Committee. Council has highlighted her experience in oversight, planning and community-facing work.
She said her time on Council had exposed her to a wide cross-section of views and shaped how she intends to approach the mayoralty.
“With over five years’ experience across two terms in the North West and Pines Wards and three years on the Audit and Risk Committee, I’ve heard the diverse views of our community. I have been preparing for this responsibility for many years and will continue to ensure Council’s decisions reflect the real needs and aspirations of our residents.”
Cr Baker has chaired the Housing Advisory Committee, and housing remains one of the themes she chose to emphasise.
“Access to safe and secure housing underpins family stability, workforce access and broader community wellbeing. I’m looking forward to continuing our work in supporting housing choice and affordability across Frankston City.”
She also pointed to major policy changes and organisational shifts that will sit on the agenda over the next year, including aged care reforms and the transition to a new CEO.
“The year ahead will bring significant responsibilities, including securing affordable housing outcomes, implementing the aged care reforms and working with our new CEO to reset and reinvigorate this Council.
These are complex areas that will require steady, compassionate leadership, leadership that listens first, communicates clearly and keeps people at the centre of every decision.”
Deputy Mayor brings local knowledge
Cr Wanat, the councillor for Elisabeth Murdoch Ward, steps into the Deputy Mayor role with previous experience working inside local government organisations and leading large teams. Council has noted her focus on workplace culture, mentoring and long-term planning.
She said her outlook is shaped by a long connection to Frankston.
“As someone born and raised in Frankston, a long-standing resident, ratepayer, business owner and active community member, I bring a perspective shaped by lived experience”
Cr Wanat said she was keen to support the new leadership through collaboration with the wider councillor group.
“I look forward to working alongside Mayor Baker and the Councillor group through fresh ideas and new perspectives”
Outgoing leaders acknowledged
Interim CEO Cam Arullanantham said the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor each brought different strengths and that their combination of experience and local familiarity would be important as Council works through its program for the year.
“Mayor Baker’s leadership experience, combined with Deputy Wanat’s strong local insight, will help drive positive outcomes for the community. I look forward to working with our new councillor leadership team.”
Mr Arullanantham also formally thanked outgoing Mayor Cr Kris Bolam JP, noting that he has served more than a decade on Council, including three separate terms as Mayor, and has been involved in a number of major projects and policy decisions.
“Cr Bolam has served our community with exceptional commitment over many years. His leadership has strengthened governance, advanced major city-shaping projects, and reinforced Council’s focus on transparent, community-centred decision-making.”
Outgoing Deputy Mayor Cr Steffie Conroy was also recognised for her presence at events and connection with residents.
“A huge thank you also to outgoing Deputy Mayor Cr Steffie Conroy, whose strong community presence and incredible attendance at local events have been invaluable this year. Her enthusiasm and genuine connection with residents have significantly strengthened Council’s relationship with the community.”
Council said the coming year will focus on cost-of-living pressures, housing outcomes, aged care changes and organisational transition, with the new leadership team expected to play a central role in how those issues are managed.
