The normally mundane procedure of electing the Deputy Mayor took a curious turn on Thursday evening in the Nambucca Shire Council chambers when the votes were tied, four all, for the two candidates.
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Incumbent Deputy Mayor, Cr John Ainsworth was challenged for the position by fourth-term councillor, Martin Ballangarry.
With Cr John Wilson absent and eight councillors in the chamber, the results of the ballot, were tied at four all.
The rules state that in the case of a tie, the decision be made by the drawing of lots … and in this particular case Assistant General Manager, Corporate Services, Scott Norman, dashed out of the room to fetch his hat.
Suzanne Salmon, who was sitting in the gallery, was then asked to do the honours …
And ‘Martin Ballangarry’ was the name she pulled and read out.
Cr Ballangarry will be the Deputy Mayor until September 2018.
It continues a happy run for Cr Ballanagarry, who also received the Councillor of the Year Award at the NSW Local Government Aboriginal Awards last month.
As the first Gumbaynggirr man to be elected to Nambucca Shire Council, Cr Ballangarry said he was proud to be continuing in his footsteps.
“My father was an agent for change in the Bowraville community … I feel proud to be here and I hope it encourages others to stand up and be counted,” Cr Ballangarry said.