Dr Peter Gangemi has been elected as the new Mayor of The Hills Shire, following the Local Government Election on December 4.
Mayor Gangemi was first elected to Council in 2012 and has continued to serve as a North Ward Councillor for the past nine years. He is also a Director of the Western Sydney Academy of Sport, Chairperson of The Hills Bush Fire Management Committee and a member of the Box Hill Nelson, Glenorie and Annangrove Progress Associations. Previous to this, he was selected as The Hills Shire Youth Ambassador in 2010.
"It is an incredible honour to have been elected as the Mayor of The Hills Shire Council," Mayor Gangemi said.
"The Hills is the greatest part of the world and I am very thankful to have this opportunity to serve you in this new term of Council," Mayor Gangemi added.
Mayor Gangemi said he was passionate about engaging with local residents and excited to represent and advocate for The Hills community during this new term of Council. Fast tracking road and intersection upgrades in the new release areas, supporting the local economy during the pandemic, maintaining strong financial discipline while being able to deliver and upgrade key community assets are also top priorities for the new Mayor.
"It is important to me that Council consults with residents on key decisions and regularly communicates with the community on the latest initiatives of Council," Mayor Gangemi said.
"The population in areas such as North Kellyville and Box Hill are growing quickly so upgrading key intersections and roads in these suburbs and surrounding areas will be a large focus in this term of Council.
"This new Council will also be working hard on economic initiatives to ensure that more local jobs are created for our residents and that the rural and tourist economies remain well supported. The community expect Council to maintain a strong financial position, and that is what we will seek to do despite the rising costs of the pandemic.
"With strong financial management, Council has a greater ability to deliver and upgrade crucial parks, playgrounds, footpaths and community facilities over the long term.
"One of the projects I'm most excited about is the opening of our Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre. This facility is going to be a game-changer for Hills residents, with a new Olympic-sized swimming pool with 10 lanes, a combined indoor 25 metre learn to swim pool and family leisure pool, swimming clubhouse, large gym, and fitness centre and much more. I am looking forward to working with the newly elected Council to open Waves to the community," Mayor Gangemi added.
Mayor Gangemi, as well as 12 Councillors, was officially sworn in on Thursday, December 23 at the Council Chambers. They will represent the community until September 2024.
Returning to Council is Clr Frank De Masi, Clr Reena Jethi, Clr Ryan Tracey and Clr Tony Hay OAM. Barbara Burton, who was a Councillor from 2008 to 2012, also makes a return to Council.
New Councillors include Mitchell Blue, Jessica Brazier, Mark Hodges, Virginia Ellis, Mila Kasby, Rosemarie Boneham and Jerome Cox.
"This new term of Council is going to be a great one. I have a brilliant team behind me, and I know we will work hard to represent the people of The Hills in a fair, honest and proactive way," Mayor Gangemi added.
For more information on The Hills Shire Council's new Council visit: www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
