Romola Hollywood has been voted in as alternate deputy mayor in the newly elected Blue Mountains Council. She received nine votes at last Tuesday night’s meeting, beating Greens councillor Kerry Brown, who received three.
Cr Hollywood said she was very honoured to be elected.
“It means a great deal to have the support of the majority of my council colleagues, and particularly the mayor, Mark Greenhill, and the deputy mayor, Chris Van der Kley,” she said.
“Having served on council for the last four years, I believe I have the experience and support from our community to undertake this role. I have been bowled over and very humbled by people's messages of congratulations on social media. I look forward to working with Mark and the deputy mayor to support them in their civic duties and responsibilities.”
The mayor congratulated Cr Hollywood.
“As I have said previously, I think it is important to have some experience under your belt if you are going to put your hand up for a leadership role on council. Romola has demonstrated her experience through her highly effective work as a councillor over the last four years.”
Under Section 231 of the Act, the alternate deputy mayor can act as the deputy mayor if the deputy mayor is unavailable to undertake their civic duties due to illness, absence or fulfilling other engagements.