Neil Westcott and Marg Applebee will serve as Parkes Shire Council's mayor and deputy mayor for the next two years after our new councillors made their first decision.
Our shire's 10 councillors took their oath of office one by one at the council chambers on Tuesday afternoon, before the election.
There were two nominations for each role, with Cr Neil Westcott and Cr Glenn Wilson nominated for mayor and Cr Marg Applebee and Cr Ken McGrath nominated for deputy mayor.
Voting was by show of hands, with voting split seven to three on both counts.
Mayor Neil Westcott said he was humbled by the support of his fellow councillors as well as the first preference votes of the community.
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He welcomed new councillors - Matthew Scherer, Joy Paddison and Doug Pout.
"I sincerely look forward to seeing the gifts you possess used in a positive way to advance our shire and will be genuine in seeking your advice and your ideas," he said.
There is plenty in the planning for the shire in the four-year term ahead.
"To all of the staff at PSC we are so fortunate to have you all," Cr Westcott said.
"The term promises to be an extraordinary time for the Parkes shire and we the council look forward to sharing that journey with you.
"This is an exciting time for the Parkes shire, what a privilege for us to find ourselves right here and right now."
Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee also thanked the community and councillors for their support.
"I look forward to continuing the work that we started last year as mayor and deputy and I intend to work hard - as hard if not harder - than what I have done in my first term of council," Cr Applebee said.
"I look forward to working alongside our new council and representing our communities - very importantly our communities, it's not just the community of Parkes."
Both mayor and deputy acknowledged the contribution of three councillors not reelected, thanking Daniel Weber and Jacob Cass for the notable difference they made in the shire in their term.
"Ken Keith, it is difficult to put into words that do justice your 40 years of service to the Parkes shire, the state of NSW and I wouldn't be understating it to say to the Australian nation itself," Cr Westcott said.
"When you consider the influence and relationships you worked so hard for over such a long time
"Thank you, and by extension Sue, for giving half your life in selfless service to the community you love, and to the causes you have been most passionate about."
Cr Westcott described the election period as "difficult" and acknowledged allegations made in an online blog published by Cr Glenn Wilson in the lead-up to the election.
"The decision has been made to self report to the Independent Commission Against Corruption all the claims you have made," Cr Westcott said.
"I take trust and integrity very seriously and I await the outcome."
