The councillors of Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains have elected long serving members of council as their new leaders.
Colleen Fuller was first elected to Gunnedah Shire Council in 2003. Yesterday, after serving her community faithfully and well for 21 years, and the departure of Jamie Chaffey to seek federal office, she became the fifth female Mayor elected in the New England this month.
At the first Gunnedah Shire Council meeting following the election in September, Councillors have elected Cr Colleen Fuller as Mayor for the next two years, and Labor’s Cr Kate McGrath as Deputy Mayor for a one year term.
Fuller said she was delighted to take on the role of Mayor.
“It’s an honour to be declared as the Mayor of Gunnedah Shire after 21 years as a Councillor in this wonderful Shire,” she said.
“I look forward to working with Deputy Mayor Kate McGrath and our fellow Councillors to deliver great things for Gunnedah.
“Thank you to our Gunnedah Shire Councillors and to the community for putting your faith in me. This is truly an amazing place to live and to work, and we know it will continue to get even better.”
Cr McGrath said it was the first time Gunnedah Shire Council had elected a female leadership team of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
“It’s a historic day and I think it is quite fitting given we have a Council with a majority of female Councillors,” she said.
“Our goal will be to put the community’s priorities front and centre. I think we will work exceptionally well together. We have shared aspirations and will work towards moving forward with our functional and productive Shire.
“I would also like to say how very proud I am of Colleen Fuller and how happy I am to see her in this role after 21 years as a Councillor.”
Liverpool Plains Shire also elected a new leadership team yesterday. Councillor Ken Cudmore, a veteran of LPSC with 12 years service, was elected unopposed as Mayor, and Councillor Donna Lawson was elected as Deputy Mayor.
Lawson is the only woman elected to Liverpool Plains Shire Council this round, and defeated newcomer Charlie Simkin to take the role, 4-3.
There is one more mayoral election to be held today, with all eyes on Warialda at 9am this morning. The only continuing councillors on Gwydir Shire Council are women, if one of them or the other new women on council are elected mayor it would deliver gender parity in the region’s mayors for the first time.
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