City of Mandurah’s new and returning councillors were sworn in last night at a special council meeting.
Mayor-elect Rhys Williams received a round of applause from a large crowd of attendees in the gallery when he was sworn in and official donned the chain of office for the first time.
Councillors-elect Merv Darcy, Peter Jackson, Darren Lee and Lynn Rodgers, Dave Schumacher and Matt Rogers took up their positions around the table in the council chambers.
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In his opening and inaugural address as mayor, Rhys Williams acknowledging the former Mandurah mayor Marina Vergone for her hard work and dedication during her term in office.
He also urged the gallery to put their hands together to acknowledge the former councillors who weren’t re-elected.
Council then moved on to accept nomination for deputy mayor, with north ward’s Caroline Knight and Peter Jackson, and town ward’s Dave Schumacher stepping up to vie for the position.
After a secret ballot Ms Knight was dubbed deputy mayor for a term of two years, expiring on October 19, 2019.
Ms Knight thanked the council for “having faith” in her.
“I strongly believe local government is about putting our community first,” she said.
Ms Knight said she looked forward to working with her fellow councillors.
She also acknowledged that she would have “big shoes to fill” after former deputy Darren Lee’s hard work.
Mr Lee has been a councillor for 12 years and deputy for 10.
He announced that he would not nominate for deputy again, stating it was time someone else took on the position.
Mr Williams presented Mr Lee with a gift on behalf of the council as a token of gratitude for his service to the city.
He commended him for his work on various community projects, highlighting his dedication to the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
Mr Lee said he had identified a “buzz” around the city for change and that he was excited by the appointed council.
“I'm really excited about this council. I can see the city going forward,” he said.
The average age on the council now sits at 48-years-old.
