Parkes Shire Council has elected Councillor Neil Westcott as Mayor and Councillor Joy Paddison as Deputy Mayor following a vote at Council's Ordinary Meeting on 15 September 2026.
Councillor Westcott was re-elected unopposed as Mayor for a further two-year term, while Councillor Paddison was elected Deputy Mayor, succeeding Councillor Marg Applebee.
Mayor Neil Westcott thanked councillors, Council staff and his family following his re-election.
"I would like to thank the councillors for the confidence you have bestowed upon me in the honour of being Mayor for another two years. I hope over the last three years that you all as Councillors feel as though you've had your opportunity to shine. I recognise that this is very much a team effort and, as Mayor, I do depend on you and your support very much of being active councillors within our community.
"Thank you to Cr Applebee for your service as Deputy Mayor. You have been very hardworking and there have been a lot of good memories over those couple of years."
"Congratulations to Cr Paddison on your election as Deputy Mayor. You will enjoy the ride that is Deputy Mayor. The role is what you make of it, and it does open up a lot of doors."
"My sincerest gratitude to our wonderful directors and staff. I would particularly like to acknowledge Kent and Toni for their support over the past three years as Mayor. Most of all, I would like to thank Alison and my family, who have managed the hundreds of hours of my absence and kept the wheels of the farm turning. I could not do it without you."
Outgoing Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee reflected on her time in the role.
"I just wanted to express what a pleasure it has been to be the Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire over two terms. I think my record speaks for itself. I've been dedicated, I've been proud to represent the Shire.
"I'll continue showing up at events and supporting our community, regardless of what position I hold. When one door closes, another one opens.
"Thank you very much for your support, Mr Mayor, and to Kent and our amazing managers as well."
Newly elected Deputy Mayor Joy Paddison thanked councillors and her family for their support.
"I would just like to thank everybody here today. In particular, I'd like to thank my family, who have supported me every step of the way over the past two years. Especially leading up to today, I seriously couldn't have done it without them.
"I'm looking forward to working alongside Neil and doing the best we can for the community.
