New Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Lawrence Springborg and the six Goondiwindi councillors have been sworn in, with Cr Rob Mackenzie named as Deputy Mayor following the first post-election held on Wednesday of this week, 15 July.
Cr Springborg – who was unopposed for the Goondiwindi mayoralty – said he was looking forward to “working together closely with Cr Mackenzie, along with the other Councillors, over the next four years”.
“Cr Mackenzie will serve his third term as a Councillor in the Goondiwindi region and so I know that he will bring a wealth of experience to his new role as Deputy Mayor,” Cr Springborg said.
“He, myself and our fellow Councillors are absolutely focusing on the current and future needs of the region.
“We are looking forward to travelling the region to serve the needs of our residents and businesses as current circumstances allow.”
Cr Springborg said the swearing-in was a “very low-key, un-ceremonial affair, befitting of the circumstances in which we all currently find ourselves”, referring to COVID-19.
“I’m well aware of the expectations that the people of our region have of me, and I will do my utmost to meet those expectations,” he said.
“Our community has had the benefit of a smooth and well-planned transition to a new Council, with no time being lost.
“We owe much of this smooth and timely transition to the professionalism and foresight of outgoing Mayor, Graeme Scheu.
“In recent weeks, Graeme invited me to briefings on critical elements of Council’s business and ongoing work.
“This has ensured that I’ve had the information I need ahead of time and that there is no disruption to Council’s services and focus during the transition.
“When we cast our Council ballots a few short weeks ago, few could have foreseen the changed world upon which we now must focus our efforts.
“But these are now the circumstances that we must deal with as a priority.”
