THE NEW DUBBO REGIONAL COUNCIL’S FIRST OFFICIAL EVENT
IMAGE (left to right): Mathew Dickerson (Mayor of DRC), Lewis Burns, Shibli Chowdhury, Pam Wells, Damien Mahon, Matthew Wright, Josh Black, Jess Gough, Richard Ivey (Deputy Mayor of DRC), Vicki Etheridge.
The collective excitement and enthusiasm of 10 new Councillors could be felt this morning at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) at their first official event outside of the chamber. Family and friends of the newly elected Councillors gathered to witness the re-signing of the oath and affirmation documents before enjoying a celebratory morning tea.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council (DRC), Mathew Dickerson addressed the room and reminded his peers that the success of the upcoming term will be reliant on a team effort. “The communities of Dubbo and Wellington have chosen us as a team, and that team is there to do the best thing for our community. Individual performances don’t matter on Council and we won’t always agree on everything, but we have to work together to get the results that the community will remember.
“I’m so excited about the enthusiasm of the Councillors and the energy that we have as a group, and I think the Dubbo region is looking for that drive and that energy to move forward – and we’ve got that here,” said Mr Dickerson.
The new Councillors will spend the next week in office participating in some key introductory workshops, delivered by DRC staff and experienced external providers.
DRC’s CEO Murray Wood said that providing the appropriate training for new and experienced Councillors is extremely important. “The Councillors will participate in workshops that cover the significance of good governance, DRC’s Councillor Code of Conduct Policy and other council related processes such as the Councillor request system, implemented for operational matters that go via myself.
“It’s extremely important that Councillors have the knowledge and understanding of what is expected, what is acceptable and what is encouraged in order for them to successfully represent their community at a local government level.
“I am excited with our new Council’s high level of enthusiasm and I am confident the community will see that reflected throughout the upcoming term,” said Mr Wood.
The first Ordinary Council meeting will be held on Thursday 27 January, 5:30pm in the Dubbo Council Chambers.
Last Edited: 17 Jul 2023