On Monday, I was given the great honour of joining my fellow Port Macquarie-Hastings Council peers to take the affirmation of the office.
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This will be my second term as the popularly elected mayor, and I am so grateful to this wonderful community for putting their trust and faith in my leadership once more.
As a new council with such a good cross-section of youth and experience, it is important that we seek to maintain a united front in our efforts to serve our community in the best way possible.
I want to ensure that we are a productive and progressive council body capable of delivering - not delaying.
I am particularly proud of the large female representation - six women - making up the majority of this new council.
Never before has there been so many women elected to represent our community.
I hope that together these women and men - Sharon Griffiths, Lisa Intemann, Nik Lipovac, Danielle Maltman, Adam Roberts, Lauren Edwards, Rachel Sheppard and Josh Slade - taking up roles in the new council can serve as a catalyst for change, not only for local governments, but for other decision-making bodies whether it be private, public or not-for-profit.
It is so rewarding to know that as a female leader, you are doing your part to help inspire other women to fulfill their ambitions in whatever field they choose.
I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead and cannot wait to start making a positive contribution to the short, medium and long-term future of our stunning region.