The Hills Shire Council has a new Deputy Mayor
Councillor Mitchell Blue was elected to the role during a recent Ordinary Meeting of Council after securing the support of his Councillor colleagues .
Clr Blue will remain in the role until the 2024 Council election .
As a long-time resident and committed volunteer , Clr Blue has served The Hills Shire in many roles . He is a volunteer firefighter with Glenhaven Rural Fire Brigade . Having joined the volunteer fire service more than six years ago , Clr Blue has helped residents locally in times of need and people and communities across NSW affected by natural disasters .
In addition to this , he was the founding Chairperson of the Friends of Glenhaven , which is a resident advocacy group with a membership of more than 500 people and a social media reach of 5000 followers . He is also the patron and a past Chairperson for the Glenhaven Christmas Carols .
Clr Blue expressed his enthusiasm for his new position and the chance to work more closely with the Mayor of The Hills Shire , Dr Peter Gangemi , his fellow Councillors and the Council .
“ This is not a role I take for granted ,” Clr Blue said of his appointment .
“ Firstly , I am honoured to be a Councillor and now as the Deputy Mayor of this outstanding organisation . I thank my fellow Councillors for supporting me and I look forward to working alongside them , as well as the Mayor and Council staff as we deliver great outcomes for this region . I also thank the community for their ongoing support and look forward to continuing to advocate on their behalf .
“ As Deputy Mayor , I wish to fast-track key infrastructure in our new release areas , strengthen Council ’ s community engagement and continue to build community resilience in our flood-impacted areas .
“ Most of all , I want to continue advocating for our residents and give them a voice they deserve ,” Clr Blue added . Mayor Gangemi also welcomed the appointment of Clr Blue as the new Deputy Mayor and said he has the qualities to serve The Hills Shire community in a leadership role . “ Clr Blue has consistently demonstrated a long-standing commitment to serving the needs of residents by taking a leadership role in several community initiatives ,” Mayor Gangemi said .
“ I am delighted to welcome Clr Blue as our new Deputy Mayor . His integrity , hardworking nature and community-driven approach will be an asset to Council and to the people we serve ,” Mayor Gangemi added .
Mayor Gangemi also thanked the outgoing Deputy Mayor , Clr Mark Hodges .
“ I would like to personally thank Clr Hodges for his dedication , support and hard work throughout the past 14
Mayor Gangemi pictured with Deputy Mayor Mitchell Blue .
months . Clr Hodges allocated significant time to the role and his guidance of the organisation and his ability to lead and represent the Council where required was first-class .”
“ We ’ ve also enjoyed many achievements and made history along the way , including the opening of the new $ 56 million Waves Fitness and Aquatic
Centre , fast-tracking several infrastructure projects in the new release areas and securing $ 11.3 million to repair our road network after it was left damaged by all the rain and floods .
“ I have no doubt Clr Blue will be an incredible Deputy Mayor as we continue to deliver for The Hills Shire ,” Mayor Gangemi added .
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 95 // MAY 2023 5