Cumberland City Council has announced the election of Councillor Joseph Rahme as the organisation’s new Mayor and Councillor Michael Zaiter as Deputy Mayor.
Mayor Rahme, who has served as a Cumberland Councillor for 14 years, will lead the Council for the next two years.
Commenting on his appointment, Mayor Rahme said it was an honour and privilege to be elected to serve the Cumberland community as Mayor.
“I am honoured to be elected as Mayor of Cumberland and look forward to working with my fellow Councillors, staff and community to deliver positive outcomes for our city,” he said.
“My vision is to build a city that is confident in who we are, ambitious about where we’re going, and united by a shared belief in what we can achieve together. Cumberland’s greatest strength is its people.
“I look forward to continuing to honour occasions like Christmas, Easter, Australia Day, Nowruz, Ramadan, Diwali and Lunar New Year. Our diversity, our resilience, our families, our businesses, and the countless cultures and communities that call this place home.
“My priority will be to focus relentlessly on the local matters that shape the daily lives of our residents and the matters within our influence. I will work tirelessly to leave no stone unturned, and always put the interests of our community first, as we strive, to make Cumberland an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
“I also want to thank our outgoing Mayor, Councillor Ola Hamed, for her unwavering support, guidance and friendship. Over the past few years, you’ve led this city with distinction, fostering a spirit of unity, respect and collaboration across our community.”
Mayor Rahme also welcomed Councillor Zaiter as the newly elected Deputy Mayor.
Cr Zaiter said he was looking forward to working collaboratively with the Mayor and other Councillors to ensure positive outcomes across the city.
“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for placing their confidence in me and electing me as Deputy Mayor. Today represents the beginning of a new mayoral term but I believe it is important that we recognise what has worked well over the previous term and ensure that we build upon it,” he said.
“Cumberland is continuing one of the most significant capital works programs in its history. Over the next two years, our community will see major projects delivered across our local government area. I am focused on delivering tangible improvements that people can see and experience in their everyday lives.”
