Thank you for covering last week’s Byron Council meeting (‘Former mayor attacks current mayor over performance’, May 28). I’d like to clarify how this collaborative approach to governance is actually working.
From day one, I’ve been committed to fostering genuine collegiality where everyone brings their unique strengths forward. Our new councillors are exceptional – I’m working with an incredible team of women, and I’ve established an open-door policy with Deputy Mayor Jack Dods, including full diary access and invitations to anything that interests him. He’s thriving in his role, and when scheduling conflicts arise, it’s simply due to competing mayoral commitments. His engagement is on his terms.
This collaborative approach has strengthened our Council’s effectiveness. I’ve extended the same openness to all councillors as they settle into their roles while balancing other employment, which is no small feat.
Having served as deputy mayor for five of the past eight years, I really gave myself to the role wherever I could. I worked in earnest alongside my colleagues and loved it. I deeply value inclusive leadership. Simon Richardson was wonderfully encouraging and inclusive; I’m building on that foundation. Michael Lyon was too until my circumstances changed and I decided to run for mayor.
It’s therefore disappointing that Cr Lyon, completely absent from true engagement for the last eight months, would return with such vitriol and a selective memory about past delegations, in a blatant attempt to undermine me through what Cr Dods rightly called ‘somewhat of a stunt’. Our community deserves better than divisive theatrics.
Despite this, I remain committed to working constructively with all councillors, including Cr Lyon, because that’s what our community deserves. We face significant challenges – housing affordability, environmental destruction, infrastructure needs – that require partnership, not politicking. That doesn’t mean everyone needs to agree, it’s just about how we work together.
There should definitely be additional remuneration for the deputy mayor as there is in some other states, and we will continue to lobby for that.
I am determined to continue providing as transparent, and respectful, governance as possible, and encourage all councillors to bring their skills and enthusiasm to the table. Save the politicking for just before the next election and in the meantime, work together for the community.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
