New Grant District Mayor Kylie Boston was officially sworn in for the 2022-2026 term when council held its first meeting since council elections took place.

Ms Boston – who was declared Mayor with a total of 2168 votes – read out her Declaration of Office and took the chair as Presiding Member to oversee the next four years with nine elected councillors.

Eight of the nine councillors were present to make their Declaration of Office at the start of the meeting.

Re-elected councillors included Megan Dukalskis, Barry Kuhl, Brad Mann, Bruce Bain, Gavin Clarke and Peter Duncan for Central ward.

New councillors are Katherine Greene for Central ward, Karen Turnbull for Tarpeena ward, and Rodney Virgo for Port MacDonnell ward.

Cr Bain was an apology at the meeting.

He made his declaration the day prior when attending at council’s mandatory training session.

Chief executive Darryl Whicker thanked unsuccessful candidates for their nominations and participation in the councillor election process.

Mayor Boston said it was an honour and privilege to be Mayor and looked forward to working with each and every councillor and staff member over the next four years.

“A very special welcome to returning councillors and to our new councillors,” she said.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank outgoing Mayor Richard Sage, Councillors Shirley Little and Gill Clayfield for their valued contributions to council and to all the community nominees who sought positions on council.

“We had elections in each ward, this demonstrates council’s strong connection with community.”

Former elected members will be invited to a December 2022 Ordinary meeting for a formal acknowledgement.

Mayor Boston also drew attention to council’s strategic direction, including the community’s vote against the proposed amalgamation with City Council.

“It should be noted the Grant community voted 91% against the plebiscite to examine amalgamation with the City of Mount Gambier,” she said.

“It is important to also recognise and continue to build and establish relationships and collaboration with our neighbouring councils within the Limestone Coast.

“I would also like to thank the ratepayers and our community for their fantastic support at the council elections, voting turnout was one of the highest in the state, this is a credit to our community.”

As part of her role Mayor Bostin has already taken part in a number of meetings and training sessions since election results were confirmed on November 18.

This has included council inductions, elected member meet and greet, bus tour of council sites, mandatory training and attending community events.

Mayor Boston has met with council’s chief executive and executive assistant, as well as Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast executives and Leader of the Opposition David Speirs.