New Randwick Council Mayor Danny Said reveals his main goals in charge
New Randwick Council Mayor Danny Said has made his top priority clear during his time in charge of Randwick Council — save Yarra Bay from a proposed cruise terminal.
Southern Courier
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New Randwick City Council Mayor Danny Said has made clear his top priority — save Yarra Bay from a proposed cruise terminal.
The Labor councillor was chosen by his fellow councillors as the new mayor of Randwick Council last week, taking over from Kathy Neilson who was the first female Labor mayor of Randwick and held the position for one year.
The 56-year-old has only been a south ward councillor since 2017 and has served as deputy mayor for the past year.
He said he was reluctant to run for council in 2017 but was swayed following a phone call from Maroubra state Labor MP Michael Daley, wanting to “help the Labor Party cause”.
“I’ve been a long time member of the Labor Party also I grew up born and bred in Matraville,” he said.
“I went to school at St Agnes’ (Catholic Primary School) and Marist Pagewood and have lived in the area forever.”
He said he loved the community and was passionate about stopping a proposed cruise terminal at Yarra Bay, next to Port Botany, which was his major focus as mayor.
“Our main priority is to save Yarra Bay and I mean that with all my heart. That is our main priority,” he said, after being chosen as mayor.
He said while that was his main focus, other focuses included looking after the grounds and parks and giving “everyone a fair go”.
Cr Said has a long history working in the plastic sheet industry but more recently has worked for Caesarstone, which makes benchtops.
“And my biggest claim to fame was at 50 in my midlife crisis I went to university and did a course in history and politics.”
He added a big thank you to his wife, who is a teacher in Maroubra.
“Becoming the mayor is about the only way I can become more popular than her because she has been a school teacher for 32 years at Maroubra Beach and she knows everyone.”
He also has two children.
Cr Said will hold the role at least until the next local government elections in September 2020.
Greens councillor Philipa Veitch has also been chosen as the new deputy mayor.
Ten councillors voted in support of Mr Said while five voted in support of Liberal councillor Christie Hamilton last week.
All five Labor councillors, all three Greens councillors as well as independent councillors Carlos Da Rocha and Anthony Andrews voted in support of Cr Said.
The four Liberal councillors and independent councillor Noel D’Souza voted for Cr Hamilton.
Former mayor Cr Neilson said it had been an honour serving in the role for a year.
“It has been my honour to serve as the mayor of Randwick for the past 12 months, and as the first female Labor mayor.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to contribute to the betterment of this great city of Randwick and I’m grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
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