Mount Gambier City Council has a new deputy mayor with a “lucky dip” draw selecting elected member Josh Lynagh to the position.
At the close of nominations two submissions were received for the position, the other being Cr Sonya Mezinec.
Voting took place at council’s November monthly meeting, with both members receiving four votes each.
As is legislatively correct, when there is draw, names are placed in a box with the last name drawn the winner.
The position was previously held by Cr Max Bruins, who was voted into the position following the departure of former councillor Ben Hood in March 2023.
Cr Lynagh is currently in his second term as a councillor and will serve in his new position for the next two years.
While most readers would recognise Cr Lynagh as the man behind Facebook’s Limestone Coast Community News, it’s interesting to note that he also works for the Education Department and State Government.
Following last month’s vote, Cr Lynah thanked his fellow elected members for trusting him in the position and commended Cr Mezinec for also putting her hand up for the role.
“I look forward to the next two years, challenging myself in this position,” he said.
“I work in local schools with a background in community engagement and I’m fortunate in that a lot of my work involves talking with people and helping where I can.
“I enjoy working in a capacity where I can see real change and be part of something bigger than myself, and council has definitely given me that opportunity.
“I have been an elected member for six years and in that time have met some incredible people in our community, and I love sharing their stories and taking their experiences on board through my role as a councillor – something I’ll definitely continue with as Deputy Mayor.
“I believe it’s important to challenge yourself and take any opportunity that comes your way, so when the chance to nominate for deputy arose, I took it.
“I also want to show my kids that if you really want something and you put in the work, you can make it happen.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work for the community through my new role, and there’s some really exciting things happening in Mount Gambier at the moment that will really set the city up for an even more vibrant future – the Railway Lands upgrades being part of that, which is something I’m really excited to see take shape.”
Internal roles associated with City Council that Cr Lynagh has signed up for include presiding member of the Junior Sports Assistance Fund and member of the Grants and Sponsorship Assessment Panel.
Other roles outside of his positions with City Council include assistant for Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forest Industries Clare Scriven.
A member of the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council (HAC) for six years, Cr Lynagh was elected presiding member in August this year.
As well as his Limestone Coast Community News page he also manages social media for a local primary school and HAC’s ‘Mount Gambier Health News’ Facebook page.
In addition, he is community coordinator for the Melaleuca Hub, where he works with parents to connect with local service providers.
“I have been a member of the HAC for six years now, and have learned a lot about the health needs in our region in that time,” Cr Lynagh said.
“While my initial role was primarily around communication and engagement between the community and the HAC, I have since gained a lot of insight into the health system, where we’re doing well and where we could use some improvement.
“While my background is not in health, I have learned a lot about how the health system works over the last few years, but more so in the last few months, and I enjoyed being able to hear from experts about their experiences and how Health Advisory Councils can work for their community.
“One thing I absolutely love about my job at Melaleuca Hub is being in a position where I can link with local services to provide support for families.
“There’s a great culture at Melaleuca and it feels great to be part of such a strong team.”
