Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly and Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma will remain in their roles until the next local government election after being re-elected during a Council meeting on 19 September.

Mayor Reilly ran unopposed and was re-elected as Mayor without the need for a vote. Speaking after his re-election, Mayor Reilly thanked his fellow councillors and staff for their support.

“We’ve come on a particularly difficult journey as a council and as a community. We’ve had to make some pretty difficult decisions, but nothing that comes easy is really and truly worthwhile,” Mayor Reilly said.

“What we’ve done in this council with our staff and with our councillors and the diligence they’ve shown and the dedication they’ve shown has got us to a point where we can see that there is going to be an end to the financial crisis that we found ourselves in. I’m very pleased to be able to say that I will be here to see that through.”

Deputy Mayor Draisma fended off a challenge from Councillor Jodi Keast, who was nominated for the role. Deputy Mayor Draisma was re-elected, however, with five votes to four.

Deputy Mayor Draisma echoed Mayor Reilly’s sentiments, thanking her colleagues and council staff for their support.

“It has been a very challenging time, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my role as Deputy Mayor, working collaboratively with councillors and learning the ins and outs of local government in a very interesting time to work in that space,” Deputy Mayor Draisma said.

“I’ve enjoyed engaging with the community in more ways than anyone could have considered in the past 18-plus months, and I’m very appreciative to continue in this role until we gather into an election period next year.”

Mayor Reilly and Deputy Mayor Draisma will remain in their roles until the NSW local election on 14 September 2024. Kiama residents will also be asked whether they would like to directly elect a Mayor, which would be implemented at the 2028 election if successful.