Priorities are set for the new mayor

Priorities are set for the new mayor

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New City of Gosnells mayor Glenn Dewhurst said engagement and communication is his number one priority. Photograph – Juanita Shepherd.

Votes have been counted and seven councillors appointed following the City of Gosnells local government elections at the weekend.

Polls closed on October 21 after 27.9 per cent of enrolled electors had cast their votes.

This was the highest voter participation rate in the past 10 years up from 24.19 per cent in 2015.

From the 31 candidates competing for a place on council Peter Abetz, Carey-Ann Brett, Julie Brown, David Goode, Julie Jones and Olwen Searle were elected for a four-year term with Serena Williamson elected for a two-year term.

They were joined by existing councillors Dave Griffiths, Terresa Lynes, Ron Mitchell and Liz Storer whose terms on council will expire in 2019.

Former councillor Glenn Dewhurst was named the new mayor following two rounds of voting with Mr Dewhurst, Mr Mitchell and Mr Abetz tied on four votes each.

The city put all three names in a barrel and picked out the winning mayor.

Mr Dewhurst said he was overwhelmed and excited.

“I have clear directions about where I want to go,” he said.

“Our biggest problem as councillors is we don’t engage enough with the community, I want that engagement and that’s my number one drive.”

Mr Dewhurst credits former mayor Olwen Searle as one of the reasons he entered local government.

“She said to me once, ‘If you don’t like the way we do things you put your hand up’,” he said.

“I put my hand up and I’ve been in it ever since.”

Mr Dewhurst said he was excited about the future and hoped to lay the foundation for a strong and engaging city.

He also acknowledged the diversity in Gosnells and said everyone could learn from one another’s cultures and backgrounds.

Member for Southern River Terry Healy congratulated the councillors and the mayor.

He said he was looking forward to working with them.

Councillor Terresa Lynes was named the new deputy mayor, receiving seven votes ahead of Ms Brown’s three and Mr Goode’s two.