MOUNT Gambier has elected its first female mayor in more than 50 years, with prominent business leader Lynette Martin OAM unseating incumbent Andrew Lee in a landslide victory.
Ms Martin amassed a convincing 5237 first preference votes – over 63pc of the returned ballots – to defeat Mr Lee on 2028 votes and contender Mark Jones, who secured 662 first-preference votes.
The Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce president is only the second female mayor in the city’s history.
Lenora Bishop was the last woman elected to the high-profile civic position in 1964.
Ms Martin said she was overwhelmed by the result and thanked voters for participating in the democratic process.
“The result is overwhelming and humbling and it will be an honour for me to serve the community as mayor for the next four years,” she said.
“I thank the people who have placed their confidence in me – it will be an honour to represent them.”
A total of 8286 votes were received with a voter turnout of 42.85pc, an increase of about 1.5pc compared to local government elections in 2014.
“Voter turnout in Mount Gambier was up on the last election and 10pc ahead of the state average,” Ms Martin said.
“I think that shows how invested the community is in the future of Mount Gambier.”
Every woman who contested a mayoral position across the South East was successful, with Alison Nunan elected in Robe, Erika Vickery re-elected to lead the Naracoorte/Lucindale council and Kay Rasheed elected in Kingston.
“It is an exciting time for women in local government and I look forward to working with them,” Ms Martin said.
Meanwhile, Mr Lee said he wished Ms Martin and the incoming council “every success”.
“There are no sour grapes whatsoever – there was some initial disappointment, but I respect the process and the people have spoken,” he told The Border Watch.
“I really appreciate the support I have had over my eight years in local government during my first term as a councillor and my four years as mayor.
“Hand on heart, I can say I have given 100pc to both roles.
“In 2014, the community elected a man from China as civic leader and I think that shows the community’s open mindedness.
“I am really proud of everything council has achieved during my term as mayor – ideally I would have liked to stay on and see a few ongoing projects through to completion, but it was not to be.
“I wish Lynette and the incoming council every success and I believe the city has a bright future.”
While counting of remaining preference votes will continue today – with provisional results expected to be released late afternoon – two council positions were decided on Saturday.
Ben Hood secured his first term as an elected member with a convincing 1651 first preference votes, while Steve Perryman also achieved quota with 956 first preference votes.
Mr Hood said he was “humbled” by the support.
“I am very humbled by the support the Mount Gambier community has shown and I certainly will not take this opportunity for granted,” Mr Hood told The Border Watch.
“I’m keen to get cracking and work with the other elected councillors to play my part in shaping the city’s future.”
