New Mayor and Councillors sworn in at Oaths and Affirmations ceremony
Published on 10 October 2024
The newly elected Mayor and Councillors for Kempsey Shire Council have been sworn in at the Oaths and Affirmation ceremony.
Incoming Councillors are required to take an oath or affirmation at or before the first meeting of the council after the Councillor is elected, before the General Manager, and all Councillors were present at the ceremony today.
The results of the September 9, 2024 Local Government election were announced last week, with Kinne Ring, who served the previous term as a Councillor, elected as Kempsey Shire Council’s youngest Mayor, along with five new Councillors and three returning Councillors.
The elected Councillors include
- Mayor Kinnie Ring
- Councillor Arthur Bain (returning)
- Councillor Julie Coburn
- Councillor Annette Lawrence
- Councillor Adam Matchett
- Councillor Ben Paix
- Councillor Dean Saul (returning)
- Councillor Noel Selby
- Councillor Alexandra Wyatt (returning)
As an elected representative, the role of each Councillor is to represent the interests of the residents and ratepayers, provide leadership and guidance to the community, and to facilitate communication between the community and the council.
In addition to their roles as elected representatives of the community, the Mayor and Councillors also form the governing body for the council.
- Their roles and responsibilities as members of the governing body include:
- Overseeing and managing the council's activities according to the Local Government Act 1993
- Helping to make the best use of the council's resources for the benefit of the community
- Playing a key role in setting and reviewing the council's policies, goals, and rules for how it operates
- Evaluating the council’s performance, including how it delivers services and manages its plans and finances.
Craig Milburn, General Manager for Kempsey Shire Council, welcomes the new and returning Mayor and Councillors.
“There is a steep learning curve for the new Councillors, with a three day induction process this week, which leads directly into their first Council meeting next week, on Tuesday 15 October,” said Mr Milburn.
“Over the next few months, staff will run weekly training and induction days to support the Councillors in learning the ropes of Council meetings, and what their roles and responsibilities are, as Councillors for Kempsey Shire.”
“We look forward to working with the new Council, and are encouraged by the diversity, dedication and commitment of the elected Councillors."