First time Councillors scoop pool at election

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Cessnock City Council has a fresh new team of mostly first time councillors following the official declaration of the election today.

The new Council brings a mix of new and experienced councillors from across the Cessnock Local Government Area, with more than 50 per cent of those elected being first time councillors.

The successful candidates from Ward A are Jessica Jurd (first time Councillor), Paul Dunn (re-elected Councillor) and James Hawkins who previously served two terms on Council from 2008 to 2016.

The successful candidates from Ward B are Ian Olsen (re-elected Councillor), Anthony Burke (re-elected Councillor) and John Moores (first time Councillor).

The successful candidates from Ward C are Anne Sander (re-elected Councillor), Karen Jackson (first time Councillor) and Daniel Watton (first time Councillor).

The successful candidates from Ward D are Rosa Grine (first time Councillor), Mitchell Hill (first time Councillor) and Paul Paynter (first time Councillor).

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Jay Suvaal, who was declared Mayor on Tuesday, congratulated all successful candidates on their election and said he is looking forward to working with them to deliver positive outcomes for our community.

“We certainly have some challenges ahead of us, but with a new council, comes fresh ideas and I look forward to what we can achieve together,” Councillor Suvaal said.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank former Mayor, Bob Pynsent, for his years of service to our community and all of the outgoing councillors for their contribution.”

The new Council will officially be sworn in on Monday 31 January 2022.

/Public Release. View in full here.