Councillor Jeff McLaughlin was nominated by former deputy mayor Hal Ruger for the Mayor position.
Councillor Ronald Plummer is the new Deputy Mayor.
THE announcement on Monday that Councillor Jeff McLaughlin was unanimously voted for top honcho, after former Deputy Mayor Hal Ruger nominated him, has been well received by residents of Tennant Creek.
Councillor Ronald Plummer is now the Deputy Mayor.
Mayor McLaughlin has worked at the Winanjjikari Music Centre and Barkly Regional Arts since 2005 and is well known for his flamboyant musical and sound genius and his band persona of Dr Fluoride at various establishments around town.
He often donates his time to provide the sound or emceeing community events including the Tennant Creek Christmas Tree, school concerts and other public gatherings.
Mayor McLaughlin said his new success is not all about him but about the strong team within the Council.
“I plan to continue on with with good work that has already happened here over the last three years,” he said.
“There are some exciting projects ahead including the new Youth Centre and the upgrades to Purkiss Reserve and the main street of town in Tennant Creek.
“Hopefully we can bring about more improvements to the region.
“I am also really excited to be working along side Deputy Mayor Ronald Plummer who is a great friend and Warumungu leader.
“The Barkly doesn’t just include Warumungu lands and Tennant Creek – many Indigenous and non-indigenous share this great region.
“There is a rich collection of cultural diversity in the Barkly and that is our greatest asset.”
The new Mayor said the response from the community had been overwhelming.
“I feel very comfortable and welcomed into my new position,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to keeping the ball rolling and not slowing down so we can keep the good work going and keep up these positive vibes for the Barkly.”
Mayor McLaughlin said he intends to stand again for Mayor in the next elections.
The Mayor role was left vacant by Steve Edgington, who moved on to the Member for Barkly position after winning the seat for electorate in last month’s Territory Election.
Labor candidate for the Barkly, Sid Vashist, has returned as a Councillor, but there remains a vacant seat for a councillor.
