Last Wednesday the newly elected Southern Downs Regional Councillors were officially sworn in at the inaugural Post-Election Council Meeting, marking the beginning of their four-year term in representing the community.

In her opening address, Mayor Melissa Hamilton promised to foster a team environment with the new Council for the benefit of the region.

“The recent election has delivered a Council with a wonderful blend of both youth and experience,” Mayor Hamilton said.

“Congratulations to our five new Councillors, Carla Pidgeon, Joel Richters, Sarah Deane, Morwenna Harslett and Russell Wantling. This is an exciting and memorable day for you and I look forward to your energy and enthusiasm bringing fresh ideas into the Council Chamber.

“Congratulations also to our returning Councillors, Sheryl Windle, Cynthia McDonald and Ross Bartley.

“I look to you to help me provide the leadership and guidance that is needed to create a cohesive Council.

“To all our Councillors, I ask that we commit ourselves to work as a team for the benefit of the people of the Southern Downs whom we have the privilege to represent. They gave us a clear message that they wanted a Council that would listen to them and work together respectfully.

“To our staff, I look forward to working with you and benefiting from your experience and advice in providing a transparent Council with well-informed decisions.

“To the press. Not many places in regional Australia have managed to maintain local press. I hope our newspapers and radio stations continue to thrive and provide the accountability that we as a chamber benefit from as well as our democracy generally.

“Councillors, I wish you all the best for the next four years and look forward to leading the Southern Downs Regional Council with you.

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 10 April 2024.