Drew Jenner has formally taken office as Clarence’s new mayor, telling his fellow councillors he hopes they “aim to do good” in everything they approach.
Jenner and eight councillors made their declarations of office in front of family and friends at a ceremony on Monday night.
Jenner said he felt incredibly honoured to represent the Clarence community as both a councillor and mayor.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support and kind words offered by our community since the election results were confirmed,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to getting to work with my fellow councillors and the city officers and build on the work done by the previous council.”
He thanked the previous council and outgoing mayor Brendan Blomeley, who remains on the council.
“From what I have seen and learnt so far, they have left Clarence in a really good position,” Jenner said.
Jenner is one of three newcomers to the council, alongside Carly Allen and Zac Morrisby.
“As I said to my fellow new faces on council, Carly and Zac, as new councillors, there is a lot to learn, but it’s my hope that in everything we approach, we aim to do good,” he said.
“Do good by our community, do good by city officers and do good by ourselves and to each other.”
Allison Ritchie returns as deputy mayor for a second term.
Blomeley, Emma Goyne, Tony Mulder, Wendy Kennedy and Daniel Hulme were also re-elected.
The new council has nine members, down from 12.
Jenner won the mayoralty on preferences, securing 51.3% of the final count against Blomeley’s 48.7%, according to Tasmanian Electoral Commission figures.
More than 40,000 people voted in the postal election, with a response rate of 86.48%.
The new council will hold its first ordinary meeting on Monday, November 16 at 6pm.
