AS their first order of business, the newly-elected Lake Macquarie council has chosen Liberal Cr Jack Antcliff to serve as deputy mayor for the next 12 months.
It was a "huge moment" for Cr Antcliff, who has served as a councillor for the last three years.
"I don't know if I'm the youngest, but certainly I'm very happy to bring some youth to the room," he said.
Cr Antcliff has been involved in the council since he was 12 years old on the Youth Advisory Council.
"It's been 15 years of being involved, and as a young person, I always dreamt of being in this room and certainly being able to add the deputy mayor piece and have that involvement is a real milestone moment for me," he said.
"You can't be what you can't see, and I think for me it's one of those scenarios.
"If there's a young person out there who wants to get into politics, don't be afraid, there is a pathway, there is an opportunity and they can make a difference."
A changing of the guard saw Labor mayor Adam Shultz chair the inaugural meeting, taking the reins from his predecessor Kay Fraser who stepped down after eight years at the helm.
Cr Shultz opened the first meeting wearing his official mayoral chains, welcoming both new and returning councillors to the chamber.
"Our family and friends have supported us through our recent election campaigns and I know they will continue to support us through the next four years," he said.
Cr Shultz encouraged councillors to use their unique skills, knowledge and expertise in their roles, acknowledging that they will have different views from time to time.
"There is a balancing act in making decisions for the people of Lake Macquarie who live here today, residents of the future and the next generations coming through being our children or grandchildren, who we hope will live in Lake Macquarie in 10, 20 or 50 years time," he said.
The public gallery was packed as councillors took their seats in the chamber at Speers Point.
The recently elected council includes four newcomers in West Ward Independent Anthony Swinsburg and East Ward councillors Labor's Stacey Radcliffe, Liberal Matt Schultz and Lake Mac Independents' Michael Hannah.
Each of the councillors stood to take an oath or affirmation to undertake the duties of the office of councillor in the best interests of the council and people of Lake Macquarie.
Labor Cr Brian Adamthwaite moved that the council conduct the election of deputy mayor by open voting rather than ordinary ballot.
As there was only one nomination for deputy mayor, which was seconded by the mayor and Labor Cr Keara Conroy, chief executive Morven Cameron declared Cr Antcliff would take the role.
Cr Shultz said he looked forward to working with Cr Antcliff over the next 12 months in a "collaborative and constructive manner" for the benefit of Lake Macquarie.
"I know you are a respected member of council and congratulations on your election," he said.
The council approved a countback election in the event a councillor vacates their seat within 18 months of the election.
The countback option saves voters returning to the ballot box if a councillor does vacate their seat in the first 18 months and is a much cheaper option for ratepayers.
A report to councillors estimated the cost of a by-election would be in the order of $1 million, compared to a countback election at approximately $50,000.
Labor Cr Brian Adamthwaite said it is a cost-effective way to deal with a casual vacancy.
"Compared to the onerous task of a by-election which is extremely expensive, I believe this is the best option not only for council but for our community," he said.
The council prematurely lost two of its elected representatives during the last term when Cr Luke Cubis resigned in August last year, and East Ward Liberal Nick Jones was sacked for failing to turn up for three consecutive meetings.
Lake Macquarie residents were not required to go back to the polls in those cases, with councillors deciding to push on without them.
