Kiama councillors have elected first-time Councillor Cameron McDonald as Mayor and Councillor Melissa Matters as Deputy Mayor at their first council meeting tonight.
Cr McDonald succeeds outgoing Mayor, Neil Reilly, who recently retired after 16 years on the Council.
Both Councillors McDonald and Matters (both pictured) will serve two years in their respective roles.
The election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor completes the make-up of the new Council that will serve a four-year term:
- Cr Matt Brown
- Cr Mike Cains
- Cr Imogen Draisma
- Cr Stuart Larkins
- Cr Melinda Lawton
- Cr Melissa Matters
- Cr Cameron McDonald
- Cr Yasmin Tatrai
- Cr Erica Warren
Chief Executive Officer, Jane Stroud, congratulated Mayor McDonald and Deputy Mayor Matters, saying she looked forward to working with the new council during a critical time for the organisation.
“Council’s primary obligation remains achieving long-term financial sustainability, and addressing the requirements of the performance improvement order,” Ms Stroud said.
“Once the Councillors have completed their inductions and have developed an understanding of the business, we’ll then be able to support them to establish their priorities for this term.”
Mayor McDonald said he was honoured to be chosen by his fellow councillors to lead Kiama Council at such an important period for both council and the community.
“Great progress was made, in difficult circumstances, by the previous councillors, and I am absolutely determined to ensure we not only continue that work, but realise the goal of financial sustainability,” Mayor McDonald said.
“I’m confident with the quality of the people in my fellow councillors, and the dedicated Council staff, we can deliver this for our community.”