City of Swan announces new Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Published on 20 October 2021

The City of Swan’s new Mayor is Councillor David Lucas and its Deputy Mayor is Councillor Mel Congerton.

The Special Meeting of Council held on Monday, October 18 was to allow newly elected Councillors to make their Declaration, elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and decide on seating allocation in the Council Chamber.

Due to a variance in the number of votes presented in the Mayoral election compared to the number of Councillors, the meeting was adjourned until 6pm Tuesday, October 19 to seek advice on the most appropriate course of action moving forward. 

The advice confirmed that the process undertaken was in accordance with the Local Government Act enabling the results of the Mayoral election to be upheld.

One vote did not indicate a candidate and was therefore an informal vote and one vote was not cast.

Nominations for the deputy Mayor included Councillors Jennifer Catalano and Andrew Kiely with Councillor Congerton securing the position with seven votes.

The Local Government elections were held on the weekend to fill seven vacancies across the five City wards.

Results saw Cr Patty Jones (Pearce Ward), Cr Charlie Zannino (Swan Valley/Gidgegannup Ward), Cr Andrew Kiely (Altone Ward) and Cr Jennifer Catalano (Altone Ward) re-elected for another four-year term.

Midland/Guildford Ward councillor Claire Scanlon and Whiteman Ward councillor John McNamara’s terms expired this year and both chose to retire.

New Councillors elected include Sarah Howlett (Midland/Guildford Ward), Aaron Bowman (Pearce Ward) and Dave Knight (Whiteman Ward).

City of Swan Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Edwards congratulated the successful candidates on their election to Council.

“I look forward to working and collaborating with the new Council and our new Mayor and deputy Mayor.

“Representing your community on Council is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to make decisions that have a positive impact on the City’s future,” he said.

Mr Edwards thanked out-going Councillor Kevin Bailey for his passion and dedication to his roles on Council over the past 16 years.

“Mr Bailey leaves with an impressive legacy as Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor on Swan Council,” he said.

“It has been a pleasure to work with him since I started at the City as CEO this year, and

I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

“I am sure his passion for his community will continue.”

A Special Meeting of Council will be held on Wednesday, October 20 from 6pm at Midland Town Hall to decide the appointment of Council representatives to Committees and advisory groups.