New Mayor for Central Coast Council

Central Coast Council has elected Councillor John McNamara as its new Mayor, with Councillor Rachel Stanton elected as Deputy Mayor.

Mayor McNamara said it was a privilege to be elected and represent the Central Coast community for the next two years.

“I am honoured and excited to have been entrusted with the role of Mayor of the Central Coast by my fellow councillors. Serving the people of the Central Coast is a privilege that I do not take lightly and I thank Council for the confidence they have placed in me,” he said.

“The Central Coast is a vibrant, diverse and growing community with enormous potential. As Mayor, I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow councillors, Council staff and our community to deliver the services, infrastructure and advocacy that matter most to our residents.

“Together, we will continue to focus on building a stronger, more sustainable future for the Central Coast while ensuring Council remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of our community.”

Mayor McNamara congratulated Councillor Stanton on her election as Deputy Mayor.

“I congratulate Councillor Rachel Stanton on her appointment as Deputy Mayor and look forward to working alongside her as we continue to serve our community and deliver positive outcomes for the Central Coast,” he said.

Mayor McNamara also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Mayor, Councillor Lawrie McKinna and outgoing Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Mouland.

“I would like to sincerely thank Councillor Lawrie McKinna for his leadership and service as Mayor over the past two years, and Councillor John Mouland for his service as Deputy Mayor throughout these last 12 months. Their commitment and dedication to our community is greatly appreciated.”

A former Deputy Mayor and Councillor of Wyong Council (2008-2012), Mayor John McNamara brings decades of leadership experience in both local government and global telecommunications to his new role.  

“Mayor McNamara emphasises the importance of thorough financial scrutiny and securing state and federal funding to revitalise community spaces and improve local infrastructure,” the Council said in a statement announcing his election.

“Mayor McNamara will be prioritising community needs, particularly road repairs, debt management and infrastructure development, and looks forward to seeing Central Coast Council move towards greater accountability, integrity and sustainable growth. 

“This back-to-basics approach is aimed at restoring community confidence in local government, ensuring that the region receives its fair share of funding and services while focusing on long-term solutions that benefit residents,” Council stated.