New Mayor and Deputy Mayor voted in for Tweed

A new leadership team has been appointed to guide Tweed Shire Council, with Cr Chris Cherry re-elected as Mayor and Cr Meredith Dennis OAM re-elected as Deputy Mayor during an Extraordinary Meeting held this afternoon. Both were elected unopposed after Cr James Owen and Cr Reece Byrnes declined their nominations for the mayoral and deputy mayoral roles.

This marks Cr Cherry’s fourth term as Mayor, following her initial election as a Councillor in 2016. Over the past four years, she has led the Tweed through signifcant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating 2022 foods.

Cr Cherry will continue to serve as Mayor for the next two years, with her term running until the mid-term mayoral election in September 2026.

Expressing her gratitude to the community, Cr

Cherry said, “I sincerely thank the residents for their continued trust and support. The community has shown they value stability in leadership, and I am committed to providing just that.”

She further acknowledged the resounding endorsement of the current leadership team, with only one new representative, Cr Kimberly Hone, replacing the retiring Cr Warren Polglase.

Looking ahead, Cr Cherry emphasized her focus on affordable housing and managing growth to ensure sustainable development while safeguarding the lifestyle and environment of Tweed.

“I am excited to work with a progressive Council and ensure the best outcomes for our community,” she said.

“As an independent, I will collaborate with all Councillors and politicians to achieve these goals.”

Cr Meredith Dennis OAM, re-elected as Deputy Mayor for her third term, will serve in this capacity until September 2025. She expressed her excitement about continuing in the role, stating, “I am honored to once again support the Mayor and our community.

Addressing homelessness and protecting our local wildlife will be key priorities for me over the next four years.”

The 14 September 2024 election saw six sitting Councillors re-elected: Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead, Cr Reece Byrnes, Cr Chris Cherry, Cr Meredith Dennis, Cr Nola Firth, and Cr James Owen. They are joined by newly elected Cr Kimberly Hone. All Councillors are currently participating in a comprehensive induction program, aligned with the Offce of Local Government, to ensure they are well-prepared for their responsibilities. This new Council marks an exciting time for Tweed, with a strong focus on progressive leadership and continued dedication to the community’s needs.