Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has welcomed in a new Mayor following the retirement of Paul Antonio earlier today after serving for almost 42 years in local government.
At a Special Meeting of Council, Councillors voted in Geoff McDonald as the new Mayor for the Toowoomba Region.
"Firstly, I'd like to pay tribute to our outgoing Mayor Paul Antonio for his outstanding service to the community," he said.
"He leaves behind a remarkable legacy. To have served for close to 42 years is an amazing achievement and one which may not be seen again in local government in this Region.
"Secondly, I'd like to thank my colleagues for their support by selecting me as the new Mayor for the Toowoomba Region.
"I'm incredibly honoured and understand how much of a responsibility it is to be in this position.
"I'm also aware of how big the shoes are that I have to fill and will do my best to repay the faith which has been shown in me by my colleagues and the community.
"As Mayor, I promise that I will fight and advocate on behalf of this community to get the best possible outcomes for our residents.
"I will represent the community with honour and dignity and do my utmost to be a leader you can be proud of and one that will always be available to each and every resident."
Following the appointment of Mayor McDonald, Council will now need to appoint a new Deputy Mayor from the current Councillors. This will happen at a future meeting of Council.
In addition to this, Council will need to fill the vacant Councillor position, from a member in the community, for the remainder of the term.
Nominations for the vacant Councillor position must be invited from any person who is qualified to be a Councillor, and from each person who was a candidate for election at the previous local government election in 2020.
Notices calling for nominations will be published in the coming weeks, including on Council's website, and former candidates will be individually notified.
Council must then meet and formally resolve to fill the vacant office of Councillor by appointing one of those nominees within two months from today.
