Steve Morrissey retains deputy mayor role at Richmond Valley Council

Richmond Valley Council has locked in its leadership roles as it seeks community input on a major project. Here is what happened at the new council’s first meeting.

Richmond Valley councillors (back, from let) Robert Hayes, Robert Mustow, Patrick Deegan, Steve Morrissey, (front, from left) Sam Cornish, Sandra Duncan-Humphrys and Deb McGillan.

Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow has sworn in new councillors Patrick Deegan and Deb McGillan at the council’s first meeting of the year.

Councillors also re-elected Steve Morrissey unopposed to the position of deputy mayor for 12 months.

It will be the fourth successive year Mr Morrissey has held the position.

Richmond Valley Council deputy mayor Steve Morrisseywas re-elected unopposed for his fourth consecutive term.

Mr Deegan and Ms McGillan join councillors Sam Cornish, Sandra Duncan-Humphrys and Robert Hayes to fill the seven-seat council.

Councillors resolved to approve and adopt the Draft Community Engagement Strategy 2021-2022, which will be known as Our Big Conversation.

Mr Mustow said the strategy would be implemented between January and June to inform the next Community Strategic Plan, which would be adopted at the June council meeting.

“Council will seek to ensure relevant opinions from a cross-section of the community are gathered,” he said.

“This means council will proactively seek out the views of those whose voices are not often heard.”