Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall and Deputy Mayor Kellie Crossley.
Ashley Hall will lead the new-look Edward River Council for the next two years, after being elected its mayor on Tuesday evening.
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The deputy mayor role has gone to Kellie Crossley, the only other candidate to gain more votes than Cr Hall at the polls in September.
While Cr Crossley is new to a role in local government, Cr Hall has extensive experience.
He served on the former Deniliquin Councils, including terms as mayor, and acted as administrator when Edward River Council was established through the merger of the former Deni and Conargo Shire Councils.
Cr Hall and Cr Crossley will serve in the leadership roles for a term of two years, after which councillors will again hold an internal election for the positions of mayor and deputy.
Cr Hall said he is keen to get to work with his fellow councillors.
“It is very positive and I am happy Kellie is deputy. She will be a great asset, as will the other councillors,” he said.
“I think it is clear the community want more stability from their council, and that we all display respect for the organisation and the position.
“That’s the number one goal - to bring that stability back and to head in a direction to achieve goals and work for the community.
“We have a lot of briefings coming up so I’m not in a position to talk abpout specific council projects yet, but while there have been some great things happen over the last three to four years there are still others that need attention.
“The seniors living project is one, there’s water issues and I think we need to be looking at the renewable energy space more.
“The recruitment of a permanent general manager, or CEO, will be a priority too.
“Plus we have our core business. We’re all mindful this is a big organisation with a big footprint, but everyone is enthusiastic to get stuck in.”
Ken Bates, Shirlee Burge, Leanne Mulham, Shannon Sampson, Ashley Hall, Kellie Crossley, Linda Fawns, Craig Cruitt and Frank Schofield.
Crs Hall and Crossley will be supported by the other seven elected councillors - Ken Bates, Shirlee Burge, Craig Druitt, Linda Fawns, Leanne Mulham, Shannon Sampson and Frank Schofield.
All nine were sworn in for their four-year term on Tuesday night, ready to serve the residents of Edward River.
Interim CEO Gary Arnold congratulated Crs Hall and Crossley on their appointments.
"As we embark on this new chapter, I look forward to collaborating closely with Mayor Hall and Deputy Mayor Crossley.
“Along with the rest of the council, we will work together to create positive change and foster a thriving community for all in Edward River.
“I’d also like to thank all citizens who put their names and energy forward in running for council - your passion and commitment to our community are commendable.”
Meeting dates for the council were also set at Tuesday night’s meeting, with councillors agreeing to a change from the schedule used in the last four years.
Under the previous council, public meetings were held the third Tuesday of the month at 10am.
Councillors this week agreed to hold public meetings on October 29, November 26 and December 17 to finish the year.
Councillors supported an amendment from Cr Fawns that meetings on these dates be held at 2pm.
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