Neil Reilly wins Kiama mayoral race, with Imogen Draisma voted deputy mayor

Kiama’s new mayor has hailed the new council as one with great diversity as a political protegee claimed the deputy position.

Kiama’s new council convened for the first time after December’s election with mayor and deputy mayor voted on among the nine Councillors.

Independent Neil Reilly won the secret ballot, with the former Labor member to lead the municipality forward during his third term on council.

Mayor Reilly beat out seasoned Greens candidate Kathy Rice, who thanked those who helped return her to council with a record 27.1 per cent vote for her ticket.

The new mayor acknowledged Cr Rice‘s commitment to Kiama, before turning his attention to the future of NSW’s tiniest council.

“There is a fair bit of weight on this chain,” Mayor Reilly said as he put on his livery collar.

“And there is a fair bit of weight to this job.

“It’s with great humility that I take on the role of mayor. There is a certain amount of pride (that comes with the role), that pride comes from representing a group with such diversity. Diversity of gender, diversity of age, diversity of ideas and I think Kiama Council will find great strength in that diversity.”

The diversity Cr Reilly refers to was seen in the deputy mayoral contest, another secret ballot, between 22-year-old Labor Cr Imogen Draisma and Cr Warren Steel, 80, who has been on Kiama Council for a quarter of a century.

Newly-elected Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma and Mayor Neil Reilly. Picture: Dylan Arvela

Deputy Mayor Draisma, the youngest ever Kiama Councillor won there ballot, thereby becoming the Council’s youngest ever deputy mayor.

“Thank you everyone for your support,” she said after the vote.

“I am very proud to be standing here and representing the community, that’s why I’m here, and I look forward to a very productive term on council to deliver for our community.”

Newly-elected Councillor and former advisor to John Howard, Mark Croxford, abstained from voting after alleging serious financial concerns were hidden from the public during the recent election in an interview with ABC Illawarra on Monday.