The best councillors in Victoria

David Clark: a veteran farmer and councillor on Pyrenees Shire who was so popular he defeated a Geelong councillor in 2011 to become his region's representative on the MAV board, where he has impressed.

Jo Connellan: well-regarded and hard-working Green councillor at Moreland who chairs the difficult Planning committee.

Jackie Fristacky: effective independent councillor since 2002, on the Labor-Green dominated Yarra council, who often holds balance in Council vote and did a good job as mayor 2005/2006. Has been chair of the Metropolitan Transport Forum of 22 Melbourne councils and helped influence transport policies.

John Kavanagh: the first non-Labor mayor of Moreland in decades and must be a good performer given his membership of the DLP. See detailed coverage of his win in this email edition of The Mayne Report.

Heinz Kreutz: a former President of the VLGA who was elected Boroondara's first Green mayor in 2012. He mustt be good for the local Liberals to support him 9-3 in an open vote. See coverage in local paper.

Geoff Lake: Monash councillor and former mayor who rose to be President of the MAV and President of the ALGA. A lawyer and ALP member in the NUW faction who is tipped to replace Simon Crean in the seat of Hotham when the Minister retires at a time of his choosing.

Bill McArthur: former Golden Plains mayor who has served for two terms as President of the MAV.

Tom Mellican: hard working independent and two time mayor of Banyule who was comfortably supported by his colleagues to lead council in 2012.

Frank O'Connor: was mayor of Port Phillip in 2009 and 2010 and did a good stabilising the council after a difficult period.

Bill Pemberton: the first Green major of Whitehorse and did a good job in 2010.

Geoff Porter: the school teacher and ALP member is into his second term on Hume and did an excellent job as mayor in 2010.

Christine Richards: an interesting career in law and the media before elected to Frankston council in 2008 and became mayor after a year. Recently elected to VLGA board from a highly competitive field.

Steve Stakos: an ALP moderate and former Kingston mayor who does a good job working with some quite difficult councillors.

Garry Stock: an independent in Melton who works hard, turns up, asks good questions and is not subservient to the long serving mayor like some of the other councillors.

Les Wilmott: veteran Maroondah councillor and former mayor who has been an excellent contributor for many years.