A FRESH leader and four newly-elected councillors were officially sworn into office in front of a packed chamber at Mount Gambier City Council’s (MGCC) first meeting of the new four-year term on Thursday evening.
Lynette Martin OAM officially became the first female mayor of the city in over 50 years after declaring to “faithfully and impartially” fulfill the duties of office.
She delivered her first mayoral address as civic leader, thanking the community for placing their confidence in the newly-elected office.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from the community and I will honour them for their confidence in me and represent them as the mayor of our city,” Ms Martin said.
“To my councillors, I say, to be chosen by your community to represent them as elected members is the highest compliment that can be paid to you and it is up to you to repay them by carrying out the role you have been given with integrity, dignity and pride.”
Ben Hood, Max Bruins and Kate Amoroso were sworn into office for the first time following their success in the November elections, while newly-elected member Paul Jenner was a familiar face for onlookers, having served as a councillor in the past.
They were joined in the council chamber by incumbent councillors Steve Perryman, Frank Morello, Sonya Mezinec and Christian Greco.
Cr Mezinec and Cr Greco contested the position of deputy mayor, with Cr Mezinec winning the prominent civic role following a secret ballot.
Cr Jenner moved the nomination of Cr Mezinec stating her efforts during the last term made her a worthy candidate for the position.
“I think she has done a very good job in the community over the last four years and she would be a sterling assistant to Ms Martin,” Cr Jenner said.
The strategic standing committee comprises Cr Morello, Cr Bruins, Cr Hood and Cr Mezinec, while the operational standing committee will consist of Cr Greco, Cr Amoroso, Cr Jenner and Cr Perryman.
With crucial decisions expected to be made in regards to the regional sport and recreation hub over the next term, committee members for the project, Cr Morello, Cr Bruins, Cr Mezinec and Cr Hood, will be charged with those responsibilities.
The first meeting finished with councillors moving the motion to seek a $1m contribution from the Grant District Council for the hub.
The council will request a response by the end of the year so the contribution can be incorporated into the full business case to the Federal Government.
