Cowra Shire Council held its Ordinary Council Meeting swearing in a new council as well as holding a Mayoral election last Monday, September 30, at the Cowra Council Chambers. It is one of the first acts of the new council since they were admitted on September 14 after no election was held. This pivotal vote comes as the Council currently operates with only eight members, following a recent lack of candidates for council at the election. As a result, the chamber will have one less councilor until a by-election can be held on November 23.
Former Mayor Ruth Fagan didn't re-contest the Mayoral chair leaving only Paul Smith and Cheryl Downing to run for Mayor while Erin Watt, Nikki Kiss and Peter Wright nominated for Deputy. In a competitive ballot contested in good spirit, Cr Smith got the nod over Cr Downing in a show of hands as two councilors, Cr Fagan and Cr Smith, were both enroute overseas. Cr Nikki Kiss was elected Deputy.
Both Cr Smith and Cr Fagan provided affirmations and oaths prior to the ordinary meeting. The oath or affirmation must be taken or made by each councilor at or before the first meeting after being elected. Councilors Cheryl Downing, Tony Horton, Erin Watt, Nikki Kiss, Cheryl Speechley and Peter Wright took their oath/affirmation at this meeting.
The new Mayor will be elected for a period of two years meaning a Mayoral election will be held in September 2026 with the Mayor elected at that time holding office until the September 2028 election. It is recommended the term of the Deputy Mayor mirror that of the Mayor for this term of Council meaning Deputy Kiss will also be in the role for the same term.
Mayor Smith was first elected to Council in 2021. He has a strong business background and holds a number of community roles, including Chief Steward of the Cowra Wine Show and sits on the Board of the Cowra Retirement Village, Bilyara.
Latest Stories
The new council also signals a new era for Cowra Shire Council in the wake of departures from former Mayor Bill West, his former deputy, Judi Smith and popular councilor, Sharon D'Elboux, all of whom didn't stand at the last election. West particularly has a long history serving the community but in his role as Mayor is where many believe he made his mark, leaving a legacy of achievement unparalleled in the shire serving council across four different decades. The new mayor and chamber will have big shoes to fill but are more than capable with many already doing tremendous things for the shire.
With a commitment to serving the community, the newly elected mayor will guide the Council during this transitional period. The Cowra Shire Council, along with Berrigan Shire Council, Junee Shire Council, and Lachlan Shire Council, will then conduct by-elections to fill casual vacancies resulting from the 2024 Local Government elections, which saw fewer candidates nominated than positions available.
Important By-Election Information:
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Eligibility: All eligible voters in New South Wales whose enrolled address is within the Cowra Shire Council area are required to vote. Please note that those not enrolled or ineligible cannot participate.
Nominations: Candidates interested in running for the Cowra Shire Council by-election can submit their nominations from Monday, October 14, 2024, until 12 noon on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Late nominations will not be accepted.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following Cowra Shire Council’s social media channels and visiting the Cowra Shire Council website, as well as the NSW Electoral Commission website for updates and additional information.
