The first meeting of new councillors on Tuesday, January 11 was disrupted and live streaming paused after a member of the activist group Extinction Rebellion took to the chamber floor calling for a people's assembly and investigation of the causes of the Black Summer bushfires.
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Following the oath of affirmation by each newly elected councillor, one of the main items of the meeting was the mayoral vote with the successful candidate to be in place until September 2023.
Three councillors nominated for the position, Crs Tony Allen, Russell Fitzpatrick and Helen O'Neil.
Cr Allen had just finished his presentation to councillors on why he should be voted in as mayor when the Extinction Rebellion interrupted proceedings. When voting continued Cr Fitzpatrick was voted mayor taking six votes, Cr O'Neil received two votes and Cr Allen one vote.
Crs Liz Seckold and Cathy Griff both put their hands up for the deputy mayor's position with Cr Seckold winning the majority of votes.