Central Coast Council elects independent councillor Jane Smith as inaugural mayor

BREAKING: Meet the woman crowned Central Coast Council’s inaugural mayor.

Central Coast Council mayor Jane Smith. Picture: Troy Snook

Independent first-time councillor Jane Smith has been elected the inaugural mayor of Central Coast Council, and former Gosford mayor Chris Holstein will serve as her deputy.

Cr Smith was voted into the top job overcoming competition from Labor councillor Doug Vincent.

Votes were locked 7-7 between councillors Smith and Vincent after the second round of voting.

Central Coast Council elects its inaugural mayor at the Wyong chambers tonight.

Former Gosford mayor Chris Holstein also nominated for mayor and the newly independent had candidate voted for himself.

He used his vote in the third round to crown Cr Smith.

Cr Smith has been heavily involved in local issues for the last 20 years, most prominently as the chief executive officer of the Community Environment Network.

She lives in Terrigal and has forged a long career as a school teacher.

Shortly after the meeting’s close, Cr Smith told the Express Advocate that she had been “hopeful” of becoming mayor but that “nothing was guaranteed”.

Councillors chose to vote in an open ballot instead of a secret vote.

Central Coast Council elects its inaugural mayor.

“I think the open vote sets a good tone,” Cr Smith said.

“(The mayor’s role) is a big task. I come with a set of skills which will carry me well in that role.”

Of sitting in the mayor’s chair she said: “It’s a completely different view of the world.”

Cr Smith vowed to work constructively with all of her elected peers.

“It’s about bringing people together and not letting division take over our council.”

Independent candidate Louise Greenaway also nominated for mayor.

Cr Holstein defeated Labor candidate Doug Vincent in the race for the role as deputy mayor.

Chris Holstein has been elected as deputy mayor. Picture: Peter Clark