Kiama Council members have elected Councillor Cameron McDonald as the new Mayor tonight, following a unanimous vote among councillors, with only one written nomination put forward. 

McDonald succeeds outgoing Mayor Councillor Neil Reilly, who recently retired after 16 years of service on Council. 

Cr McDonald will be serving his first term as a Councillor and Mayor, and will be focusing on restabilising finances, open and transparent communication and strengthening local employment and businesses. 

“The future beckons,” Cr McDonald said in his first address as mayor-elect. “We have difficult moments and questions ahead that cannot go unanswered. It’s time for us to come together.”

“I found solace in the fact that we all share a commonality, a great love for the place in which we live.”

His election comes at a time when the council faces a range of challenges, including increased demand for housing, returning Council to an operational surplus and responding to the NSW Government Performance Improvement Order. 

“We don’t take this faith in us for granted. There will be choices made in this term of Council that will shape the future of our community for many years to come. We’re up for that task,” Mayor McDonald said.

As the former President of the Kiama District and Business Chamber, Cr McDonald is expected to bring his experience in operating a successful business to the table. 

The council also elected Cr Melissa Matters as the Deputy Mayor. 

“It’s time for a change, I think the community are looking forward to a change in the Council,” Cr Matters said. 

Outgoing Mayor Neil Reilly shared advice with his successor, telling him to stay off social media.

“Pay little or no attention to social media. I've found over the years that three or four people will seem like a giant crowd on social media.”

“You have to be very disciplined about making decisions. Those decisions have to be made, and sometimes they have to be made with not all the information that is possible to have, but they still have to be made. Beyond that, good luck,” Reilly added.

Cr Imogen Draisma was also nominated for Deputy Mayor, with Crs Matt Brown and Stuart Larkins voting in her favour.

All councillors were officially sworn in on Monday, 14 October, with Council CEO Jane Stroud offering her congratulations. “I offer my sincere congratulations to all the elected Councillors and thank everyone who ran in the local elections. I look forward to working alongside you all throughout the next term of Council.”