Top vote winner wants deputy’s role

approach to leadership.

“Our community deserves a fresh approach,” she said.

“I’d like to role model strength, compassion and kindness.

Our community has spoken loudly seeking genuine leadership change. This is our opportunity to listen and act accordingly.”

To date the only candidates to go public with their leadership ambitions are incumbent mayor Peter Johnstone and former Grafton City Council general manager Ray Smith, who will be a frst-term councillor.

Dr Greg Clancy, who was deputy mayor for part of the last term of council, has confrmed he would contest the deputy’s position.

Of the current group of candidates Karen Toms said during a radio interview she would stand for deputy mayor.

Debrah Novak has not commented publicly but has also put herself forward as a mayoral candidate in previous council terms.

Ms Yager has laid out her reasons and principles for herself and what she would like to see in other councillors in a social media post earlier this week.

“Call me silly, but as I mentally prepare for our frst council meeting on the 17th, where we’ll take our oath and elect a mayor and deputy mayor, I’m reminded of the principles I shared with our community over almost the past year and still want to work towards those.

“I said I’d prioritise honesty, openness, vulnerability, and authenticity - and I won’t waver from those values now.

“Regardless of who says what, I am trying to stay frm in my independence while wanting to work cohesively with everyone.

“In all honesty, this moment is not the the trust given to us by our people. Be humbled by it. Inspired by it. Use it wisely.

“Let’s work together, united and strong, yet individual in our perspectives.

“Let’s encourage collaboration, civility, and open communication.

“We are the bridge between our community and the decisions that can shape their lives. Our lives.

“I commit to staying true to our community’s voice, to listening, and to acting with their wellbeing at heart no matter what.

“I invite my fellow councillors to join me on this mission, empowering our community, inspiring real positive change together.

“I invite councillors to hold true to their word, let go a little and allow change to happen. It could be great.” pinnacle of my life, but rather an opportunity for our nine elected councillors to make decisions that truly refect the community’s voice.

“We were elected to listen, to represent, and to act with integrity.

“We campaigned on change, transparency, honesty, authenticity, and a new vision for our community. A new way of behaving and moving forward. Now, it’s time to deliver.

“Think bigger. Outside ourselves. Rise above and remember who gave us this great honour and responsibility.

“I urge my fellow councillors to remember

Ahead of Thursday’s inaugural meeting, the candidates have undertaken training in council regulations and processes.

The meeting agenda on the council website advertises the meeting to be held in the Grafton Council Chambers from 1pm.

Prior to the election of mayor and deputy each councillor will be sworn in.

Also included on the agenda was Code of Meeting Practice, appointing independent committee to the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee and 2024/2025 Superannuation Contribution Payments for the Term of Council.

Inclusions:

24 Day Discover Italy & Croatian/Med Cruise 2025

 Return Transfers from Home to Airport Return

 Return Airfares in Economy Class

 14 Nights Quality Hotel Accommodation with breakfast daily

 7 Night Cruise from Bari in a Balcony Cabin incl. drinks package

 Visit Italy, Zadar and Dubrovnik in Croatia & Montenegro

 19 Dinners and 9 Lunches

 All sightseeing in Italy. Optional excursions apply on cruise

 Small group, maximum 14 passengers

 Fully escorted from Australia with local experts in Italy

A trip to Italy offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Start in Rome, where ancient landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon transport you back in time. Travel to Venice, a city of romance and waterways. Explore the Grand Canal, visit St. Mark's Basilica. Enjoy Tuscany, known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns. Visit Florence and Pisa. Enjoy a Mediterranean cruise, stopping in Croatia to experience the stunning coastlines of Dubrovnik and Zadar, and in Montenegro for the rugged beauty of Kotor and its bay.

Travel Dates: 06 June to 30 June 2025

Southern Africa Discovery Escorted Group Tour 2025

 Return Transfers from your home to the Airport

 All Economy Airfares

 20 Nights’ Accommodation incl. 5 Nights Game Lodges

 Breakfast Daily, 15 Dinners, 9 Lunches

 Game drives in open vehicles in Private Game Lodges

 Game drives Chobe National Park and a boat cruise on Chobe River and full day Hwange National Park safari

 Guided tour of the Victoria Falls

Travel Dates: 08 May to 29 May 2025

South Africa boasts diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Chobe offers unparalleled wildlife experiences in Botswana's pristine wilderness. Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls, provides breathtaking beauty. Together, they offer a quintessential African adventure, merging natural wonders with cultural immersion. Explore, witness, and be transformed.