New mayor Laura Binks looking forward to her role

COUNCILLOR Laura Binks has been elected as the new Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor. "I feel excited and honoured to be mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council," she said. She is joined by Councillor Paul Murray who was elected to the role of Deputy Mayor. The election took place after Mayor Cr Binks received the only nomination to run as Mayor by fellow Cr Kristy Hourigan which was seconded by Cr Sally Hayes–Burke. Cr Binks said she was thankful for Margaret Devlin, who had provided councillor training and mentoring, as well as for Janet Dore, Municipal Monitor, for their guidance. "They have been fabulous mentors for me in this election," Cr Binks said. She said she was looking forward continuing the work outgoing mayor Chris Raeburn had achieved. "I will also endeavour to continue the discussions with the Australian Rail Track Corporation and the telecommunications advocacy among others," Cr Binks said. "I am also really interested in social inclusion, ensuring that we have a community that is respectful and inclusive and that everyone can feel welcome and feel like they belong. "I also maintained my position on the tourism arts and culture advisory group, along with Deputy Mayor Paul Murray. "I think we've got a lot of opportunity coming out of lockdown and obviously tourism's increasing a lot. "Our area's certainly popular place to come and visit because it's so beautiful, and I want to support our artistic community." Cr Binks said she was looking forward learning as a mayor. "I know this role will come with challenges, but I am looking forward to it, it will be a continual learning experience, and I am an avid learner," she said. "I think it's important to have a mayor who is a younger woman, because it shows to females that we can take on leadership roles. "Our council is about inspiring other people to step up into these leadership roles and to represent every category of our community, it is about inclusion. "The diversity of our community should be reflected in our council." Cr Binks said she was looking forward all the good things about to happen as the community is going out of lockdown. "I'm looking forward to cutting lots of ribbons with novelty scissors, I love ceremonies," she said. "After COVID–19, we're looking forward to being able to get out and actually open events and visit people in the community and have those conversations across the whole municipality and not just being online. "So, I would like to say thank you to the community."