Mayor Mustow is back – but he never really went anywhere.

At 10pm, today, Saturday, September 14, Robert Mustow has 2896 votes which equates to almost 39 per cent of the vote. This gives Mr Mustow his third term as mayor.

Mayoral votes in Richmond Valley are counted first and then the councillor votes are counted – that will take longer as preferences need to be taken into account.

“It’s very early in the mayoral count however it looks promising that I could be returned in the position for the coming term,” Mr Mustow said cautiously.

“If so I look forward to working with the elected councillors for the betterment and positive outcomes for our community”. 

Second in the mayoral race is Lyndall Murray from Evans Head with 2021 votes so far. Ms Murray got the highest number of votes at booths in Evans Head, Broadwater, Coraki and Woodburn.

Third is John Walker with 1271 votes and fourth Robert Hayes with 1250 votes.

These numbers will vary as votes are finalised. Casino pre-poll is still be counted and added to the tallies but given the percentages, it is clear Mr Mustow is a clear winner and becomes Richmond Valley’s mayor again.

Mr Mustow has served on the council for 37 years – with the next term of four years that will bring him to 41 years. He is the first mayor in Richmond Valley to serve three terms.

His first day as newly elected mayor will be spent at the Casino Fun. He may have an extra spring in his step tomorrow, Sunday September 15.

The first council meeting will be in October with Mr Mustow and six councillors yet to be confirmed.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 14 September 2024.