BEYONCE might have sung about women running the world and those lyrics certainly could ring true on the Sunshine Coast with women in the two top spots with Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez announced as Deputy Mayor.
Channel 7 journalist Rosanna Natoli was announced as Sunshine Coat Mayor earlier in the month after a close run to secure the job.
Cr Suarez stated it was an honour to have the support of her fellow councillors to fulfil the role of Deputy Mayor.
“I hold each of them in high regard and many would have been suitable to undertake the role, however for some, timing and personal circumstances prevented them from doing so.”
Ms Suarez also said that her previous four years at council enabled her to be well-versed in how to perform.
“The reason I put myself forward is because it is important for the Mayor and the council to be successful in our endeavours for the community’s benefit and I am happy to be supporting Mayor Natoli to lead our council.
“The work I undertook during the last term has meant I am well-placed to support our new Mayor with the many issues that we are facing now and in the near future.”
At the post-election meeting of Sunshine Coast Council on Thursday, April 11 Mayor Natoli vowed to always put the community first.
“I’m passionate, determined, hard-working and strong, and I fight for what I believe in.
“I’m just so proud to be here today as your Mayor and I have been entrenched in the community for more than three decades and it’s an enormous privilege to serve.”
Mayor Natoli promised to work with fellow councillors and the region’s state and federal members “to secure the infrastructure the Sunshine Coast so desperately needs”.
“I promise to be open and accountable, available, accessible. Most of all, I promise to listen.
“This is an exciting time in our region’s story. We are facing enormous growth, which brings challenges, but also tremendous opportunities, the chance to make the Sunshine Coast a better place for us all, and for future generations.”
Also at the meeting, Mayor Natoli was appointed as Chairperson of the Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group, with Deputy Mayor Suarez appointed Deputy Chairperson.
Council plays a critical leadership role in local disaster management arrangements. This is a core responsibility of council and is consistent with its stewardship of the wellbeing of the region and its residents in the event of a disaster.