Three months ago, Henry Barlow announced his intentions to once again run for Wyndham council and, if elected, become mayor.
That ambition was realised last night when Cr Barlow received the majority vote to become this term’s first mayor.
Cr Barlow received the support of fellow councillors Kim McAliney, Aaron An, Peter Maynard, Tony Hooper, Intaj Khan and Josh Gilligan to secure the mayoralty over John Gibbons, who is serving his seventh council term.
It’s the third time around for Cr Barlow, who was mayor in 2000-01 and 2004 during his first stint as a councillor.
Cr McAliney, who nominated Cr Barlow for the top job, was elected deputy mayor in an unopposed contest.
Cr Barlow congratulated all of the councillors on completing their induction period and being officially sworn in.
He promised to be open and available to his fellow councillors and lead by example.
“You all bring certain skills and abilities,” he said to the councillors.
“I was watching and listening to what people had to say [during induction], why they wanted to become councillors, what they wished to do in the future, how they’re going to do it.
“As a mayor, I have to perform many duties.
“Apart from representing the community, I have a responsibility to my fellow councillors.
“I need to lead you in a way that’s going to allow you every opportunity to represent your ward and more specifically, the broader Wyndham community, to the best of your ability.
“To the Wyndham community… I make a promise that each and every councillor has your best interests at heart. We will do our best to represent you in your aspirations, for you individually and for your families.”
All 11 councillors took an oath of office and signed the councillor code of conduct at the meeting.
Cr Khan nearly missed out on both when he came into the meeting nearly 10 minutes late.
