Cr Sue Heins has been re-elected Mayor of the Northern Beaches, despite a member of her own team gunning for the role in a surprise twist.
Fellow Your Northern Beaches teammate Cr Nick Beaugeard, an IT expert in his first term on Council, nominated for the top position but only received two votes – one being his own – the other Cr Ruth Robins.
Cr Beaugeard was then knocked out leaving Cr Sue Heins to go up against young green councillor Ethan Hrnjak. He received support from fellow Greens, plus Cr Beaugeard. The final vote saw Mayor Heins elected 10-4.
Upon returning to her Mayoral seat Heins thanked councillors for their support, remarking “We’ve got a lot to do.”
Cr Beaugeard then stated his support for the Mayor and congratulated her on the role.
Four councillors nominated for Deputy Mayor: Crs Kristyn Glanville, Joeline Hackman, Ruth Robins and Rowie Dillon. Cr Ruth Robins was ultimately elected Deputy Mayor after a tied vote with Cr Rowie Dillon, leading to the decision being made by literal luck of the draw.
The Mayor will be in the role for two years until the next Local Government Elections, and the Deputy position is a 12 month term.
This marks the fourth time Cr Heins has been voted Mayor and her 14th year as a councillor.
She is the recipient of the Minister’s Award for Women in Local Government, a current board member of Women’s Healing Sanctuary, founder of business network group Inspiring Women, the former Chair of family violence organisation Women & Children First and previously served as President of the Warringah Chamber of Commerce as a small business operator.
Mayor Heins said she was honoured to continue serving the Northern Beaches community.
“It is a privilege to continue to serve as Mayor and I am grateful for the confidence my fellow Councillors have placed in me,” Mayor Heins said.
“The Northern Beaches is a remarkable community and it is a responsibility I take seriously. Together we will continue to focus on delivering the infrastructure, services and advocacy our community deserves.”
Mayor Heins congratulated incoming Deputy Mayor Ruth Robins on her election.
“Councillor Robins has been a strong and committed voice for the community and will make an excellent Deputy Mayor. I look forward to working alongside her and all our elected councillors as we continue to champion the interests of Northern Beaches residents.
“I would also like to thank Councillor Candy Bingham for her outstanding service as Deputy Mayor over the past 12 months. She has served our community with passion and dedication, and I greatly appreciated her support and partnership during that time.”
