Councillor Jeff Pettett is the new Mayor of Ku-ring-gai in the Council meeting held Tuesday 11 January 2022. Opposing Jeff Pettett for the top job was was the incumbent Mayor, Cedric Spencer, Councillor for Wahroonga ward who won the position late last year by ballot draw succeeding then Mayor Jennifer Anderson.
Cr Spencer was supported in his nomination by Cr Christine Kay and Cr Sam Ngai. However, Cr Pettett’s support was far stronger with 7 out of 10 votes in his favour, many of which were newly appointed Councillors.
Cr Pettett has represented the Comenarra Ward for the past nine years, he has held the position of Deputy Mayor and is a long term resident and qualified accountant.
So what should residents in Ku-ring-gai expect from the new Mayor?
“I have fought with residents to keep Mimosa Oval as natural turf and to get the Norman Griffiths Oval upgraded to the best playing surfacing for our male and female soccer players now and into the future.” Stated Cr Pettett during the lead up to the election held 4 December 2020.
Mayor Pettett has clearly stated he supports the residents of South Turramurra in the fight against the excessive traffic and parking problems they continue to endure each year. He isopposed to the excess building heights such as those proposed in Lindfield. Mayor Pettett is in support of progressing the long-awaited Lindfield Village Hub.
Cr Barbara Ward of Gordon Ward, won the position of Deputy Mayor, 7 out of 10 votes were in her favour. Opposing Cr Ward was Cr Christine Kay who was also a contender for this position. Cr Kay is a second term Councillor for St Ives Ward who was unsuccessful in this nomination only receiving support from two other Councillors being Cedric Spencer and Sam Ngai.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Barbara Ward, is a resident of Ku-ring-gai for nearly 30 years,. she has worked across government, private and not for profit (NFP) sectors. Cr Ward has stated she is “results focused for the residents through collaboration and inclusiveness”. Cr Ward is the Founder and Director of Impact One, has held executive positions with the San Foundation, Anglican Retirement Villages Foundation, Austcare & Marist Community Services. Currently Cr Ward serves on the boards of Lifeline, Studio Artes, Royal Rehab Foundation, Marian St Theatre for Young People and Chair of several other NFP’s.
Let’s hope that the days of the 5/5 split commonly seen amongst Councillors throughout 2020 will not continue with this newly formed fresh Council.