First-term Liberal councillor John Moores has been named Cessnock's new deputy mayor.
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The position of deputy mayor is determined by the councillors, and was voted upon by open ballot at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday night - the first official meeting since the December 2021 council election.
Cr Moores and Labor councillor Anthony Burke contested the ballot for deputy mayor, which Cr Moores won seven votes to six (with the support of the three Liberal and four independent councillors, while the six Labor councillors voted for Cr Burke).
The deputy mayor may be called upon to exercise the function of the mayor if the mayor is prevented by illness, absence or otherwise.
Cessnock council traditionally votes for the deputy mayor every 12 months, but will vote on the position again in September this year to realign with the local government election cycle (which was delayed until December due to COVID).
Cr Moores said he looked forward to working constructively with mayor Jay Suvaal and the elected council for the benefit of all who live in the Cessnock local government area.
"With 48 years in Cessnock I have seen things change," he said.
"I have had three businesses in the town and I come from a mining background.
"I feel that I have the knowledge to assist Jay in moving forward in the town. Let's try to get back on track and let's try to build the town back to how it was."
Cr Moores said he would be focusing on jobs, especially jobs for young people.
"There are apprenticeships out there, and I'd like to see the youth go for these apprenticeships," he said.
"There is not a lot of money at the beginning, but once you have got that trade behind you, you are set for life."
Cr Suvaal congratulated Cr Moores on his election as deputy mayor and said he looked forward to developing a positive working relationship.
"John has extensive business knowledge and that will be an asset in the role of deputy mayor. I know John is passionate about our community and will bring this enthusiasm to assisting me with my mayoral duties," Cr Suvaal said.
Meanwhile, council's first ordinary meeting of the term will be held on Wednesday, February 16 at 6.30pm.
It will be broadcast live on council's Facebook page, and is also open to the public (with COVID-safe precautions in place).
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
