I am deeply honoured to be elected as Mayor of this great City. It is the beginning of a new era… and a new Council.
And I am privileged by your support… your confidence… and by your expectations. I am also filled with a sense of excitement and optimism as we begin managing our magnificent City for the next four years. I know our new team of Councillors are very aware of the serious responsibility which has been bestowed upon us and we accept this responsibility willingly.
Our vision is simple: Our residents deserve to live in the best City in Australia and we as your team will work with Council staff and the community to achieve this vision.
That means strong schools… safe streets… clean communities… affordable housing… and reliable transportation.
It means access to health care. It means quality services for seniors.
It means a rich social and cultural life.
It means a vibrant economy.
It means true inclusion - a seat at the table for all.
It means taking advantage of our truly unique assets - tourism that is second to none, unique partnerships with local agencies and a strong local economy.
In no way do I consider these accomplishments as being achieved exclusively by Council.
Rather, these accomplishments can be achieved also by all the residents who give us their time and talent to serve on committees;
by all of the residents who provide their input;
and by our very talented Council Staff who provide guidance as well as implementing our decisions with excellence.
I refer to this three-pronged partnership of Council, residents, and staff as a triangle of achievement - as a triangle of togetherness.
Many of you here are responsible for electing me Mayor… and all of you here will be responsible for the success of our city.
I thank all the people who supported me, encouraged me, and helped me through the process. And a special thank you to my husband Brian, my partner and my inspiration, who I believe is most responsible for my standing here today.
I take this opportunity to thank the previous Mayor, John Clarence and the previous Councillors for their work for our community and I thank all the candidates who stood for election as I believe the campaign was conducted in an open and honest manner and I commend all candidates.
I look forward to serving and working with our community and Councillors to address the challenges that face our great City.
