We have a new Mayor, and it has been good to see Cr Liesbeth Long’s term as Mayor so warmly welcomed by residents, together with the well-deserved recognition of Cr Grace La Vella for her completed Mayoral term.
The Mayor plays an important role in our community and that role continues to evolve. From our early British heritage, where our model of local government derives, the mayor was traditionally the first citizen of the municipality. Priority was placed on formal representation and ceremony.
The Local Government Act 2020 now specifies a number of responsibilities of the mayor. The mayor continues to chair council meetings and remains the key spokesperson on external communications, but now has added formal responsibilities in their relationship with the CEO, and also accountability back to the community for reporting on council activities. With increasing concern about councillor conduct in some municipalities, the mayor is required to play a key role in ensuring a positive working culture within the council itself, and between council and the CEO and staff. Relationship management is now central.
Emerging and future trends suggest the role of the mayor to advocate to other levels of government – especially for resources, is of increasing importance, and that leading change to deliver the community vision and council plan will be a central responsibility.
Every mayor brings their own personality, capabilities and priorities to the role. The thing that is common in all is the willingness to do the best for their community.
Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor
