MAYOR Kay Fraser has congratulated Lake Macquarie council for its "heads-down, bums-up" approach to leadership, eschewing political grandstanding and "salacious headlines in the Newcastle Herald".
In an emotional end to a two decade career on council, eight of which Cr Fraser served as mayor, she was met with a standing ovation as she closed her final meeting on Monday.
It marked the end of an era for Cr Fraser and last drinks for the councillors who have served alongside her, as voters prepare to usher in a new council on September 14.
"Despite political and personal differences, the councillors who have served the city for the past three years have worked cohesively, efficiently and with the united aim of making Lake Macquarie a better place for everyone," Cr Fraser said.
"Public service is a much-maligned, often thankless task, but the achievements of this council deserve to be recognised and celebrated."
A mayoral minute highlighted the achievements of the council, including planning for the North West Catalyst Area and the combined $330 million Black Rock Motor Resort and Cedar Mill projects.
Cr Fraser noted that more than $1.2 billion in development applications had been supported and more than 22,000 jobs created despite a downturn in major industries like mining and manufacturing.
Each councillor was given three minutes to reflect on their time on council, many of them choosing to spend it thanking Cr Fraser for her service to the city.
Labor deputy mayor Madeline Bishop said the mayor's legacy is the positive changes throughout Lake Macquarie.
"Over the weekend, I heard you referred to as the architect of this city and the naughty aunty of Lake Mac with a cracking laugh," she said.
"And yes, you are savvy, smart, and sometimes a bit sassy, but as your final deputy mayor I have seen you as a great educator.
"You have taught the city to achieve outcomes, we must work collegially and respectfully with each other for the betterment of our city, you have taught how inclusiveness can be obtained through strong, consistent leadership."
The mayoral minute said the council has remained steadfast in its support of diverse events and projects, from the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track to the Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari and the Australian-first Trampoline Centre of Excellence at Hunter Sports Centre.
The minute pointed out that in 2011, mining and manufacturing accounted for almost 40 per cent of the city's economic output, which has now halved.
Cr Fraser said usual best-case scenarios see economies plateau in times of rapid transition, but said the council had "bucked that trend".
"More than 22,000 new jobs have sprung up since 2011 across the city, and economic output has increased more than seven per cent annually," she said.
Independent Cr Kate Warner said she was the first to admit public service had been a "steep learning curve".
"It's true that local government is the closest to the community, and sometimes we are their first port of call when they come," she said.
"Sometimes they just have a need, or just want to be heard about something, and it's an honour to serve them."
Cr Warner said while the council may not always agree politically, she is "really glad" they do not, as it is reflective of a healthy democracy.
She called Cr Fraser the "real deal" and said she was glad to work with two strong female leaders in the mayor and chief executive Morven Cameron.
"You can't be what you can't see, and I'm really glad that our community has this example to follow," Cr Warner said.
Liberal Cr Jason Pauling said that when he and Cr Fraser started out they were "cat and dog type antagonists" and probably "as fierce as it could get".
"And to your credit, you've brought the relationship between us and the wider council to a sense of fairness," he said.
"We could have continued for a decade of arguments, but that's not how it played out, and as I said, I respect and give you due honour for helping build that bridge and for where we've ended up."
Labor Cr Adam Shultz took the time to thank former Liberal Cr Nick Jones who lost his seat on the council for failing to turn up to three meetings in a row, and Independent Cr Luke Cubis who resigned to take another work opportunity abroad.
"[These were] both two great advocates for the city, and people that will be missed and made a significant contribution to this city," he said.
Labor Cr Brian Adamthwaite said the words "team" and "partnership" came to mind when trying to describe his time on council.
"That's what this council has always been about, a team of people who work together to achieve their best, a team of elected representatives who work together to achieve their best and a partnership with staff who help us, perhaps guide us, never direct us, to achieve our best as well," he said.
"I think that it has been and continues to be one of the great achievements and pride of my life to be an elected representative on Lake Macquarie City Council."
