Jack Franklin has been sworn-in as Cessnock City Council's newest councillor, after a recent NSW Electoral Commission countback of votes from the 2024 local government election.
The Ward C countback was conducted to fill a casual vacancy created when Mark Mason resigned from his position on Council in March.
Clr Franklin took the oath of office on Wednesday, 20 May, before attending his first Council meeting.
Cessnock City Mayor Daniel Watton welcomed Clr Franklin to the role, and thanked Mr Mason for his time on Council.
"It's a privilege to be entrusted with serving our local community as a councillor, and I wish Clr Franklin the best as he joins us – as we continue to strive for sustainability and the delivery of high-quality outcomes," said Clr Watton.
"I would also like to express gratitude to Mr Mason for his service as a councillor and wish him well for the future."
In October 2024, Council resolved unanimously that a countback election should take place if a councillor resigned in the first 18 months of this term.
Members of the public are welcome to attend Council meetings in-person or online via the live stream on Council's YouTube channel. A full schedule of meeting dates is available here.
Image: Clr Jack Franklin with Cessnock City Council Interim General Manager Peter Chrystal.
