Image Caption: Mayor Gangemi pictured with Deputy Mayor Mitchell Blue.
The Hills Shire Council has a new Deputy Mayor.
Councillor Mitchell Blue was elected to the role during Tuesday's Ordinary Meeting of Council after securing the support of his Councillor colleagues.
Clr Blue will remain in the role until the 2024 Council election.
As a long-time resident and committed volunteer, Clr Blue has served The Hills Shire in many roles. He is a volunteer firefighter with Glenhaven Rural Fire Brigade. Having joined the volunteer fire service more than six years ago, Clr Blue has helped residents locally in times of need and people and communities across NSW affected by natural disasters.
In addition to this, he was the founding Chairperson of the Friends of Glenhaven, which is a resident advocacy group with a membership of more than 500 people and a social media reach of 5000 followers. He is also the patron and a past Chairperson for the Glenhaven Christmas Carols.
Clr Blue expressed his enthusiasm for his new position and the chance to work more closely with the Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi, his fellow Councillors and the Council.
"This is not a role I take for granted," Clr Blue said of his appointment.
"Firstly, I am honoured to be a Councillor and now as the Deputy Mayor of this outstanding organisation. I thank my fellow Councillors for supporting me and I look forward to working alongside them, as well as the Mayor and Council staff as we deliver great outcomes for this region. I also thank the community for their ongoing support and look forward to continuing to advocate on their behalf.
"As Deputy Mayor, I wish to fast-track key infrastructure in our new release areas, strengthen Council's community engagement and continue to build community resilience in our flood-impacted areas.
"Most of all, I want to continue advocating for our residents and give them a voice they deserve," Clr Blue added.
Mayor Gangemi also welcomed the appointment of Clr Blue as the new Deputy Mayor and said he has the qualities to serve The Hills Shire community in a leadership role.
"Clr Blue has consistently demonstrated a long-standing commitment to serving the needs of residents by taking a leadership role in several community initiatives," Mayor Gangemi said.
"I am delighted to welcome Clr Blue as our new Deputy Mayor. His integrity, hard-working nature and community-driven approach will be an asset to Council and to the people we serve," Mayor Gangemi added.
Mayor Gangemi also thanked the outgoing Deputy Mayor, Clr Mark Hodges.
"I would like to personally thank Clr Hodges for his dedication, support and hard work throughout the past 14 months. Clr Hodges allocated significant time to the role and his guidance of the organisation and his ability to lead and represent the Council where required was first-class."
"We've also enjoyed many achievements and made history along the way, including the opening of the new $56 million Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre, fast-tracking several infrastructure projects in the new release areas and securing $11.3 million to repair our road network after it was left damaged by all the rain and floods.
"I have no doubt Clr Blue will be an incredible Deputy Mayor as we continue to deliver for The Hills Shire," Mayor Gangemi added.
