Tom Kennedy has been elected as Broken Hill’s new Mayor, ousting former Mayor and newly-elected LGNSW President, Darriea Turley AM, from the position.
Councillor Kennedy (pictured) was announced as Mayor on Tuesday, with five members of his ticket – Bob Algate, Jim Hickey, Michael Boland, Hayley Jewitt, and Alan Chandler – named as Councillors today.
They will be joined as Councillors by former Mayor Turley, Marion Browne, Dave Gallagher and Ron Page.
Council’s General Manager, Jay Nankivell congratulated Mayor Kennedy on a “convincing victory”.
“Mayor Kennedy has vast experience as a Councillor and his passion for Broken Hill is unquestionable,” Mr Nankivell said.
“The administration looks forward to working with Mayor Kennedy and all new and returning Councillors to achieve their vision for Broken Hill.”
Mr Nankivell also paid tribute to former Mayor Turley, and former Councillors Christine Adams, Branko Licul, Maureen Clark and Jim Nolan.
“The outgoing Councillors and all Councillors who served last term put in an amazing effort given the difficulties the city faced during COVID-19.”
“They can be proud of their leadership given the unprecedented challenges they, and the wider community, have endured over the last five years.”
Mayor Kennedy made headlines last month when it was revealed he had been the target of online harrassment in the lead up to the election.
At the time he told media he would not be attending pre-polling booths, saying he was “not going to take any chances leading up to the election”.
The matter was referred to the police.
Mayor at the time, Cr Turley, said she too had been the victim of public harrassment, describing the events as “weak behaviour”.