Meet our Southern Downs Regional Council for next four years as new members sworn in | GALLERY
The new-look Southern Downs Regional Council has been sworn in under a new mayor, who has proclaimed it’s time to get to work. See the full gallery here.
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The new council is finally in the same room, alongside our new mayor, with our representatives sworn in for the next four years.
The new Southern Downs Regional Council – made up of a new mayor and five new councillors – was officially sworn in on Wednesday morning.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton was all smiles and said she was keen to get stuck in with the new crop.
The new diverse council is made up of Ross Bartley, Cynthia McDonald and Sheryl Windle, and newcomers Joel Richters, Carla Pidgeon, Morwenna Harslett, Russell Wantling and Sarah Deane.
Ms Hamilton said on Wednesday the election had delivered a new council made up of both youth and experience, and congratulated the new councillors.
“This is an exciting and memorable day for you, and I look forward to your energy and enthusiasm to bring fresh ideas into council chambers,” the mayor said.
“I look to you (the re-elected councillors) to help me provide the leadership and guidance that is needed to create a cohesive council.
“I ask that we commit ourselves to work as a team for the benefit of the people of the Southern Downs, who we have the privilege to represent. They gave us the clear message they want a council that will listen and work together respectfully.”
Ms Hamilton also said to the media that the region was lucky to have maintained local press, unlike many places in regional Australia, and said she hoped the media would “continue to thrive and provide accountability that both the chamber and democracy benefit from”.
“I wish all of you the best for the next four years, and I look forward to leading the Southern Downs with you. Let’s get to work.”
GALLERY
More Coverage
Southwest soaked in 36-hour deluge
Parts of South West Queensland have witnessed a wet and wild 36 hours, with some areas recording overnight falls of up to 77mm. Here’s the latest forecast.
Tributes flow for Stanthorpe icon
A flood of tributes has emerged for pillar of the Stanthorpe community Mally McMurtrie, who will today be farewelled at a memorial service in the region.