Greater Geraldton Cr Natasha Colliver returns to deputy mayor position as newly elected councillors sworn in

Re-elected City of Greater Geraldton councillor Natasha Colliver has won the vote to be returned as the city’s deputy mayor despite a challenge from former mayor Shane Van Styn. At a special council meeting on Tuesday, three of the four newly elected councillors were sworn in for their four-year terms. First-time councillor Serena Giudice, Mr Van Styn and Cr Colliver took the oath or affirmation of allegiance — undertaken by Justice of the Peace and Mullewa city manager Darren Simmons. Councillor-elect Tim Milnes was absent from Tuesday’s meeting and will be sworn in at a later date. The seven councillors then drew ballots for the seating positions they will occupy for the remainder of their terms before ballots were taken to decide the position of deputy mayor. Cr Colliver, who has been deputy mayor for the past two years, and Cr Van Styn nominated and gave five-minute presentations to fellow councillors. Cr Colliver began by acknowledging the deputy role was to support the mayor in carrying out the responsibilities of what was a busy and demanding office. “Just as importantly, my role is to support each and every one of you. So, I want to say this openly, if you ever need a hand, a sounding board, or someone to bounce ideas off, I’m just a call or a coffee away,” she told her fellow councillors. Cr Van Styn responded, saying his nomination was in no way an indication that Cr Colliver has failed in her duty as deputy and congratulated her on her service. “The public have overwhelmingly requested that I nominate for this position to help provide the direction, leadership and connection to community,” he said. “My connection to community knows no parallel. A record number of votes taken, a record turnout for the city, speaks volumes for how much people desire to see me back in some form of leadership position.” Cr Van Styn secured the most number of votes at the election, with 34 per cent, followed by Cr Colliver at 13 per cent, Mr Milnes at 11.6 per cent and Cr Giudice at 8.7 per cent. After votes were cast and counted, mayor Jerry Clune declared Cr Colliver into office for a two-year term as deputy mayor, with a resounding victory of seven votes to one.