A Cambodian become the mayor of Australian city for a third time

Mayor Youhorn Chea with his grandsons Aiden Darith-Tang and Tristan Sachakrya-Youhorn.

Chea mayor for the third time

12 December, 20 11
By Nicole Precel
Dandenong Leader, Victoria

YOUHORN Chea has big plans for the city.

Councillor “Uncle” Chea was voted Greater Dandenong mayor for the third time at last week’s council meeting, beating out candidates Angela Long and Yvonne Herring.

Joining the council in 1997, Cr Chea became the first Cambodian-born mayor in Australia in 2001/02 and donned the robes again in 2006/07.

As a refugee, he escaped the killing fields of Cambodia in 1982, and started his life in Australia at the Enterprise Migrant Hostel in Springvale. He has not left the suburb since.

The 65-year-old said his focus during his mayoral term would include the Springvale night market - which he hoped would continue - the Noble Park aquatic centre and improving safety at train stations.

He also hoped to elevate the municipality to become the “city of festivals”.

Cr Long said she was disappointed councillors who had previously pledged their allegiances to her had decided to change their votes for the December 5 election.

“Youhorn has my full support, that was never ever in doubt, but the way it was done, when a couple of mine jumped ship, one was because I wouldn’t go a particular way on an item that’s coming up to council later on,” Cr Long said.

Meanwhile, Cr John Kelly blamed party politics for ALP-aligned Chea’s victory over independent candidate Cr Herring.

“Obviously the powers that be outside of council told a couple how to vote,” Cr Kelly said. “The right person didn’t get there in end. After 12 years of service I think it would have been nice for Cr Herring to have one (mayoralty) before she left.”

Councillors are up for re-election next year.