NSW council elections 2024: Michelle Byrne claims victory as Hills Shire mayor

The incoming Hills Shire Council has been revealed, headed by a popular former mayor who returns to the top job after securing a landslide number of first preferences. See who is representing you here.

NSW 2024 local government election: Liberal Hills Shire mayoral candidate, Michelle Byrne. Picture: Supplied

A mix of old and new faces will comprise the incoming Hills Shire Council this term, with former mayor Michelle Byrne returning to the top job after a landslide election victory.

The incoming council will have a Liberal majority, with nine members, including Dr Byrne, representing the party.

Three of the 12 councillors elected for this term are embarking on their first term, while another three have regained their positions after serving on the council in previous years.

Dr Byrne secured a landslide 62.31 per cent of first preferences, according to the NSW Electoral Commission tally. She was announced as the Liberal mayor on Tuesday.

She has taken over from previous Liberal mayor Peter Gangemi, who took the position after Dr Byrne’s last term ended in December 2021.

Hill Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne in 2019. Picture: Angelo Velardo

She previously served three stints in the top position, including as the Hills Shire’s first popularly elected mayor in 2017 and as one of two women to lead the Hills council for the first time, with deputy mayor Yvonne Keane, in 2015.

Dr Byrne took to social media three days after the polls closed to thank her supporters, saying it was looking likely she would return to the top job once again.

“The votes are still being counted and the polls are yet to be declared, she wrote on September 17.

“I have been completely overwhelmed by the level of community support and I am entirely grateful to all of you!”

Dr Byrne has been contacted for further comment.

See the councillors elected to represent you below.

North Ward

Greens councillor Mila Kasby and Liberal councillor Mitchell Blue and running mate Jacob Jackson have been elected councillors for North Ward.

North Ward includes Glenhaven, Dural, Middle Dural, Glenorie, Cattai, South Maroota, Sackville North, Maroota, Lower Portland, Leets Vale, Wisemans Ferry, Maralaya, Gables, Nelson, Box Hill, Rouse Hill, Annangrove and North Kellyville.

Dr Kasby and Mr Blue were first elected to council in 2021, while Mr Jackson spent one term on the council between 2018 and 2021.

(L-R) Mila Kasby, Mitchell Blue and Jacob Jackson have been elected for North Ward.

Central Ward

Liberal councillors Jerome Cox and Reena Jethi and Labor candidate Tina Cartwright have been elected for Central Ward.

Central Ward includes Kellyville, Castle Hill, Beaumont Hills, North Kellyville, Glenhaven and Rouse Hill.

Mr Cox was first elected to council in 2021 while Ms Jethi was first elected in 2018. This term will be Ms Cartwright’s first on the council.

Jerome Cox, Reena Jethi and Tina Cartwright (not pictured) have been elected for Central Ward.

East Ward

Former Liberal councillors Samuel Uno and Alan Haselden and Labor candidate Jane Grevtseva have been elected for East Ward.

East Ward includes Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, North Rocks, Carlingford and West Pennant Hills.

Mr Uno was previously a councillor between 2017 and 2021, during which time he also served as deputy mayor, while Mr Haselden previously served on council between 2012 and 2017.

This term will be Ms Grevtseva’s first on council.

(L-R) Samuel Uno, Alan Haselden and Jane Grevtseva have been elected for East Ward.

West Ward

Liberal councillors Frank De Masi and Rosemarie Boneham and Labor candidate Immanuel Selvaraj have been elected for West Ward.

West Ward includes Kellyville, Norwest, Bella Vista, Winston Hills and Baulkham Hills.

Mr De Masi was first elected to council in 2017, while Ms Boneham was first elected in 2021. This term will be Mr Selvaraj’s first term on the council.

Frank De Masi, Rosemarie Boneham (not pictured) and Immanuel Selvaraj have been elected for West Ward.