A new-look City of Launceston Council made its public pledge to the community, with the declaration of office ceremony held at Town Hall on Wednesday following completion of the election count.
The ceremony marks the first step for each Councillor to assume office and is a public pledge to serve the community responsibly and uphold the responsibilities outlined in the Tasmanian Local Government Code of Conduct.
Following confirmation of the completion of the count, the City of Launceston Council welcomed the return of Mayor Matthew Garwood, who continues his role as Launceston's 78th Mayor alongside new Deputy Mayor Susie Cai.
Incumbent Councillors Tim Walker, Andrew Palmer, Alex Britton and Joe Pentridge were also returned to their roles. However, there will be some new faces around the Council table, with newcomers including Councillors Kyle Barrett, Melissa Anderson and Rose Diamond taking positions on the now nine-person Council.
The declaration of office ceremony marks the beginning of a new intensive induction process conducted by Council to equip all Councillors with a basic understanding about Council roles, responsibilities and functions and how Councillors can be effective community advocates.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the induction program would be the first time the new Council had spent time together as a team, and he was looking forward to getting to know the new members and starting the term on a positive note.
"Launceston has some really exciting opportunities ahead of us. There'll be challenges, absolutely, but for me, it's always been about putting our community first and getting on with the job," Mayor Garwood said.
"I'm really looking forward to working together as a team, building on the momentum we've created and turning the plans we've talked about for years into action. We've got an incredible future ahead of us, and we're only just getting started!"
City of Launceston acknowledges all candidates who put their hands up for Council elections.
Council also thanks outgoing former Deputy Mayor Hugh McKenzie and outgoing Councillor Lindi McMahon, who did not recontest. Council also acknowledges former Councillors Alan Harris, Krista Preece and Ross Marsden, who were not re-elected. Council thanks them all, along with past Councillors from across the term, for their contributions.
Councillors will now begin the induction program, with the first Council meeting to be held on Tuesday 24 November at 5pm.
