Temora councillor Rick Firman returns as mayor following the recent mayoral election – for his 13th consecutive term.
Temora Shire Council general manager Melissa Boxall officially announced the election results, confirming that Cr Firman was re-elected as mayor. Councillor Graham Sinclair will continue as deputy mayor for the next two years of the four-year council term.
“I warmly thank my fellow councillors for the confidence shown in me by electing me as mayor,” Cr Firman said.
“I also congratulate Cr Sinclair on his re-election. The deputy mayor is an outstanding man and one I’m proud to work alongside.”
Crs Firman and Sinclair have led the Temora Shire community since 2012.
“The construction of the medical complex and the redevelopment of the Temora pool have been the highlights for me as mayor, serving alongside Cr Sinclair,” said Cr Firman.
“The most significant achievement was when we worked as hard as we could, together with our then fellow councillors, our staff, and the shire community to ensure we were not amalgamated with another council. We were and remain one of the strongest councils in rural and regional NSW, and that for me remains the highlight — thus far, anyway.”
Cr Firman congratulated all returning and newly elected councillors.
Returning councillors include Cr Belinda Bushell, Cr Anthony Irvine, and Cr Nigel Judd. Councillor Ken Smith has been elected once again after last serving in 2021.
New councillors for this term include Narelle Djukic, Brenton Hawken, and Paul Mahon.
“Our shire community has given us an enormous privilege to serve as councillors,” said Cr Firman.
“As councillors and staff, we’ve achieved a great deal together, and I know this council will continue to achieve even more during our new four-year term.
“We’ve got another good council, and I know we will work well as a team. We’ve got much more to do, and I cannot wait to get back in the saddle.”
Ms Boxall said council staff were looking forward to returning to normal operations after the election and continuing to work towards the council’s strategic objectives.
“As we move into 2025, we are also developing our updated 10-year community strategic plan and four-year delivery program,” she said.
Ms Boxall said the recent ‘Community Scorecard’ had responses from more than 600 Temora Shire residents.
“This is over double what we expected to receive,” she said.
“Thanks to the community, it will offer us a wonderful cross-section of demographics and insights we will use to develop our strategic objectives and the council’s actions — based on what is important to and needed in our community.”