Councillor Steve Christou was re-elected Mayor of Cumberland City Council and Councillor Michael Zaiter was elected as Deputy Mayor at last night’s Council meeting.
The Mayoral election, usually held every two years, sees the councillors vote for the position of Mayor and Deputy Mayor from amongst each other.
Clr Christou was initially elected as Mayor in September 2019 and will serve again until the next local government election, being held on 4 December 2021.
Clr Christou received seven votes while Clr Kun Huang received six votes.
Clr Christou is one of three councillors representing the Granville ward. Christou said he is “honoured and humbled” to retain the role representing the interests of Cumberland’s more than 240,000 residents
“I’ve given the mayoral duties my complete focus and dedication over the past two years and will continue to advocate passionately for this community,” Clr Christou said.
“I thank my fellow councillors for their support and will continue to work with all my colleagues.
“I’m grateful to my Our Local Community Party colleagues councillors Eddy Sarkis and Paul Garrad, as well as (Liberals) Michael Zaiter, Tom Zreika, Ned Attie and Joseph Rahme for their votes of confidence in myself and Clr Zaiter as a team.”
Ahead of the vote, Clr Christou spotlighted major achievements during the past two years including the completion of the Granville Centre, Eric Tweedale Stadium, restoring Granville Town Hall and revamping Wentworthville Swimming Centre, in addition to countless community-focussed programs and steadfast advocacy for the people of Cumberland amidst the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“Our community is at a critical junction after a tough two years during the Covid-19 pandemic. I look forward to steering the community back to economic prosperity.”
“Congratulations to new Deputy Mayor Michael Zaiter. I am absolutely confident that together we’ll work well in service of our residents to make Cumberland an even better place,” said Mayor Steve Christou.
Clr Michael Zaiter succeeded Councillor Eddy Sarkis as Deputy Mayor. Clr Zaiter represents the Wentworthville ward.
“It’s a privilege to accept the role of Deputy Mayor. Our community needs a lot of support and advocacy coming out of lockdown and I’m ready for the task of moving our community forward,” Clr Zaiter said.
Cumberland City Council has five wards, with three councillors in each ward chosen by the people at the local government elections every 4 years. The local government election was delayed from September 2020 until 4 September 2021 and then delayed again until 4 December 2021, due to Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.
