Russell Fitzpatrick has re-elected Mayor of the Bega Valley Shire Council in what was the local government area’s first public mayoral vote.
Mayor Fitzpatrick (pictured) said he would be honoured to lead the Shire over the next four years.
“I am humbled by the trust the community has placed in me,” he said.
“It’s an honour to serve as Mayor and I am eager to deliver meaningful outcomes for people from all walks of life and all parts of the Bega Valley. I extend genuine thanks to everyone for their support.
“During the election campaign the other candidates and I heard what matters to our constituents and my aim as Mayor is to build on the foundation of our shortened last term, with a renewed focus on addressing the challenges ahead and attempting to prioritise what matters most to our community.”
The Mayor is joined by returning Councillors Tony Allen, Mitchell Nadin, Helen O’Neil and David Porter, and newly elected Councillors Simon Daly, Peter Haggar, Peggy Noble and Clair Mudaliar.
Council CEO, Anthony McMahon, welcomed the incoming Councillors and thanked the outgoing Councillors for their dedication and commitment over the last two years and nine months.
“I congratulate all of the successful candidates and welcome the new Councillors,” Mr McMahon said.
“Representing and advocating for the needs and wants of our community, as well as balancing those needs and wants against the limitations of budgets and resourcing is a challenging but rewarding task.
“It’s great to see a mix of new and experienced Councillors bringing continuity and new perspectives in equal measure.
“I’m very thankful to Mayor Fitzpatrick and returning Councillors Allen, Nadin, O’Neil and Porter for investing their time yet again to support and represent the community.”
Mr McMahon also thanked outgoing Councillors Joy Robin, Liz Seckold, Karen Wright and Cathy Griff, who chose not to stand for re-election, for their service, leadership and dedication throughout the last term of Council.
“Representing the community as a Councillor requires a heavy investment of time that often entails making difficult decisions. For Cathy Griff and in particular Liz Seckold, this is a commitment they made to their community over multiple Council terms,” he said.
The new Council will undergo an induction process commencing before its first official meeting on 9 October where a decision regarding the appointment of a Deputy Mayor will be made along with formation of Council committees.