Councillors Ken Keith OAM and Barbara Newton have returned to their positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively following Tuesday’s mayoral election.
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The election of the two positions was to take place by ordinary ballot during Parkes Shire Council’s September meeting at the Tullamore Bowling and Citizens Club.
Only one nomination for both positions were received, with Cr Keith and Cr Newton returning as Mayor and Deputy Mayor unopposed for another two years.
This year Cr Keith celebrates his 10th year as Mayor, with Cr Newton marking her third term as deputy.
In total Cr Keith has been in local government for 35 years, 17 of those spent as Deputy Mayor.
“It’s an honour to be part of this team in leading the community of the Parkes Shire,” Cr Keith said.
“I appreciate the ongoing support of my few councillors.
“I am tremendously proud of what we have been able to achieve during this term of council thus far and I look forward to what the next two years has in store for our region.”
Cr Newtown said it was a great pleasure to return as Deputy Mayor.
“It’s been a steep learning curve...Cr Keith is a very good mentor and a great example of a leader of local government,” she said.
“It’s an exciting time to be on council - the next two years will see the delivery of a number of major projects for our community, namely the Inland Rail, the Special Activation Precinct, and the CBD Vibrancy including the construction of the Cooke Park Multipurpose Centre - to name just a few.
“We have been planning and lobbying for these projects for a number of years and I am delighted to see them come into fruition.
“I am unashamedly proud of our council.
“I look forward to continuing to add value to our community as Deputy Mayor.”
Both councillors thanked their spouses for their years of support.
Council’s Director Technology and Corporate Services Les Finn also celebrated 10 years of service on Tuesday.
He joined Cr Keith in cutting a 10th anniversary at the conclusion of the council meeting.
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