New deputy mayor to be elected a Fraser Coast council meeting

Fraser Coast Regional Council’s deputy mayor has confirmed he will not put his hand up to be re-elected for the role, leaving it vacant for a new councillor.

Deputy mayor Paul Truscott and councillor Denis Chapman.

A new deputy mayor is expected to be elected at Wednesday’s Fraser Coast council meeting, with councillor Paul Truscott to stand down from the position.

Mr Truscott was elected as deputy mayor in March last year, replacing councillor Darren Everard who had spent four years in the role.

It is understood councillor Denis Chapman will put his hand up for the role when it goes to a vote on Wednesday.

“It has been my honour to serve as deputy mayor of the Fraser Coast for the past year, and as my term as deputy comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this incredible experience,” Mr Truscott said.

“It’s only my term as deputy mayor that is concluding, I am still continuing as a councillor.

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott, Fraser Coast Regional Council.

“When I first decided to put my hand up for this position, I did so because I wanted to gain additional experience and challenge myself further.

“As someone who believes in pushing my own boundaries and striving for excellence, I felt that serving as deputy mayor would allow me to do just that. And I have not been disappointed.”

Mr Truscott said over the past year he’d had the opportunity to extend himself and he was proud of what he had achieved.

“However, as the end of my Deputy term draws near, I have made the decision to not put my hand back up for the role,” he said.

Councillor Denis Chapman is expected to put his hand up for the role of deputy mayor.

““For the same reason that I ran, I believe that it is important for other councillors to have the opportunity to extend themselves and gain additional experience through this position.

“It is only through testing ourselves and taking on new challenges that we can continue to grow and improve.

“As I look back on my time as deputy mayor, I can honestly say that it has been an incredible experience.

“The extra responsibilities, the opportunities to lead and inspire, and the chance to help make a difference in our community have been truly rewarding.

“So as I step down from the position of deputy, I am excited to see what the future holds for our region.

“I will wait to see who our next deputy mayor is and wish that person all the best to progress themselves, the council and the community in the next year ahead.

“Thank you to my colleagues for your support in allowing me to hold the position and thank you to our Fraser Coast community for allowing me to serve as Deputy Mayor for the past year.”