Sutherland Shire Councillors and former leaders of the organisation have paid tribute to the career and achievements of long-serving Mayor, Carmelo Pesce, as he was presented with the local government sector’s highest honour during a special ceremony this week.
Former Sutherland Shire Council General Manager and immediate past LGNSW CEO, Scott Phillips attended this week’s Council meeting to present Mayor Pesce with the title of ‘Emeritus Mayor’, acknowledging his outstanding service to Council and the community during the three terms he has served in the top job.
The title is the highest honour awarded by LGNSW and is traditionally bestowed upon Mayors who have served at least five years as the elected head of their council and have demonstrated exemplary service to their community.
Mayor Pesce said he was deeply humbled to receive the honour, paying tribute to all those who had supported him throughout his time serving on Council.
“The Sutherland Shire is the place where I was born, its where I’ve lived my whole life and its where I chose to start a business and raise a family. But more than that, it’s a community that I am passionate about serving,” Mayor Pesce said.
“The role of Mayor is a challenging one, and it’s certainly not something you take on for rewards or accolades, but to have received this form of recognition for my career in local government is a truly special and incredibly humbling experience.
“In my time as Mayor, we have achieved some incredible things – from the $42m redevelopment of the Pavilion Performing Arts Centre to the $5.72m Seymour Shaw Youth Precinct and Open Space upgrade and the $6.2m upgrade to Engadine’s Cooper Street Reserve. But none of these things could have been possible without the hard work of Council staff and the commitment of my fellow Councillors to doing what’s best for the people we serve.
“I have also been lucky enough to serve alongside some truly inspirational leaders during my time as Mayor – our former General Manager Scott Phillips, our recently retired CEO Manjeet Grewal and now Council’s newly appointed CEO, Clare Phelan.
“Each of these individuals played – and continue to play – a vital role in my career in local government, and it was incredibly special to have them there with me as I received this incredible honour.
“But most importantly I would like to thank my wonderful family, without whose support I would never be able to do this job. It’s incredibly special to have been joined by my wonderful wife Niki, my children Emily and Josh and their partners Cameron and Mariah for what was truly one of the most touching moments of my career,” he said.
LGNSW President, Darriea Turley AM, highlighted the significance of the achievement, saying the title was one that recognised the esteem in which Mayor Pesce was held within the NSW local government sector.
“It is a sign of immense respect that the individual has gained from their peers – but also from the community they service during their time in office,” President Turley said.
She also drew upon the time she had shared with Mayor Pesce during his term spent serving on the board of LGNSW, saying he had made an indelible contribution in representing the best interests of local councils across the state.
“He really brought the board together with his unique skills, extensive experience and of course, his special brand of humour. If I could rely on anyone, it was Carmelo.”
