EXPRESS The
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Locally owned and proudly independent
A new chapter
New councillors who will form the Tablelands Regional Council. (From left) Samantha Banks, Bronwyn Voyce, Katrina Spies, Mayor Joe Paronella, Anthony Ball, Kate Eden and Annette Haydon.
By Justin Fris
R
ATEPAYERS came in solid numbers as the Tablelands Regional Council opened a new chapter of local government last Thursday morning. Mayor Joe Paronella and his fresh team of councillors were officially sworn in to office, with delight and hope engulfing the room. Among the team of new councillors was Samantha Banks, who had only just been declared the winner of Division 4 less than 24 hours before the ceremony. All eyes were on Mayor Paronella as he ad-
dressed the room for the first time. In the gallery, heads lifted. “Ladies and gentleman, it is wonderful to see so many of you here,” he said. “I’m honoured and humbled to take on the role as Mayor for the Tablelands region and I thank you for your support. “Today, my fellow councillors and I commence a journey of a new era of regional governance and leadership. “This will be formed through community engagement and consultation – and in line with rational, transparent and accountable decision making.” Mayor Paronella added: “This newly elected
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Council draws together extremely knowledgeable and experienced individuals who are passionate about the community we live in – and the future that we can create through skills and ideas for the betterment of our region. “With an emphasis on teamwork, a mutual respect for reinstating community confidence in our organisation, we will set a clear direction for sustainable growth on the Tablelands. “We will be providing services that meet our community’s needs, whilst preserving the cultural, environmental and social values that make this a wonderful region to live in. “The community that we are here to serve,
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have made it quite clear that they have high expectations of us and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead. “As custodians of the Tablelands Regional Council until 2020, we must not get complacent in our role. “Together, we must ensure that we lay the foundations for our region to prosper. Ladies and gentleman, we have a job to do. We will do it well.” Ratepayers and all councillors then freely mingled for a delicious morning tea, with recent unpleasant memories a mere afterthought to all around.
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