The position became vacant after the resignation of Cr Kim O’Keeffe, who stepped down to focus on campaigning as the Nationals candidate for the Victorian seat of Shepparton District.
Cr O’Keeffe also sought and was granted a leave of absence from council at the meeting.
Cr O’Keeffe nominated Cr Sali, who was elected unopposed, with Cr Anthony Brophy remaining as deputy mayor.
The mayoral term will expire in November.
Cr Sali said his main ambition was to drive investment for Shepparton from around Australia and the world.
“It has to be business, businesses are the employers and drivers of our community,” he said.
“Now more than ever we have to position Greater Shepparton as a brand nationally and internationally, Greater Shepparton must continue to lead the way.”
Cr Sali thanked Cr Rob Priestly, who resigned last week, and Cr O’Keeffe for their contribution to the council.
He also thanked his family for its support in enabling him to take on the role.
“Most of all, I’m here because of the Greater Shepparton community, you gave me your support,” he said.
Cr Brophy led the tributes to Cr O’Keeffe, saying she had made an enormous contribution, especially in leading the city through the pandemic.
After the meeting Cr Sali said the council was more united than ever and he hoped to leverage the region’s reputation as a manufacturing, services and industry hub.
“I’ve got a strong understanding of business and I think it is important that I use my skill-set at council level as well,” he said.
“The more investment we have in the region the more pressure it puts on higher levels of government to continue investing in our community.”
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