Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland has been returned to the mayoral position for another two-year term, continuing a period of leadership that first began in 2013.
Mayor Mulholland was first elected to lead Kyogle Council in 2013 and served as mayor until 2021. She returned to the role in 2024 and has now been elected to continue as mayor through to 2028.
Councillor John Burley was also returned as deputy mayor, continuing a partnership that has spanned Mayor Mulholland’s entire period in the mayoral office.
Mayor Mulholland told The Echo she was both humbled and honoured by the confidence placed in her by her fellow councillors.
‘To be entrusted with this responsibility again is something I am genuinely humbled and honoured by,’ Mayor Mulholland said. ‘I have always regarded the position of mayor as a privilege, not a position of entitlement. Every term brings a responsibility to work hard, listen to our community and do everything I can to deliver the best possible outcomes for the Kyogle Local Government Area.’
Mayor Mulholland said having Cr Burley continue as deputy mayor was particularly significant. ‘John and I have worked together throughout my time as mayor, and I value the trust and respect we have built over many years,’ she said.
‘We don’t always agree on everything, and I think that is healthy. But I know I can rely on John to be honest, to provide sound advice and, most importantly, to always have the interests of our community at heart.’
The mayor acknowledged Councillors Olivia Taylor and Tom Cooper, who also put their names forward for leadership positions.
‘I sincerely acknowledge Olivia for nominating for deputy mayor and Tom for nominating for mayor. I respect anyone who is prepared to put their hand up for leadership, and I wish them both well.’
Mayor Mulholland said her focus now was firmly on the work ahead. ‘Having served as mayor across more than a decade, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges facing our community. But I also know that no mayor, councillor or council can achieve anything alone.
‘Our strength is in working together – with our councillors, our staff, our communities, our businesses, our volunteers and with state and federal governments.’
She said the coming term would continue to focus on practical outcomes for the entire Kyogle Local Government Area, including roads, culverts and causeways, flood resilience, economic development, housing, community services and strong advocacy for rural communities.
‘There is a lot still to do, and I am very conscious that people judge us not by what we say, but by what we achieve.’
Beyond the chamber
Mayor Mulholland also paid tribute to the community for the resilience, generosity and commitment demonstrated across Kyogle and its villages.
‘Some of the most important work in our community doesn’t happen in the council chamber. It happens every day through our volunteers, sporting clubs, community organisations, businesses, farmers, emergency services and individuals who simply step up when something needs to be done.
‘That spirit is one of the things I love most about Kyogle.’
With her return to the mayoral position secured until 2028, Mayor Mulholland said she remained committed to representing the whole LGA.
‘I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this community,’ she said. ‘I will approach the next two years with the same commitment I have always had: to listen, to advocate strongly for the Kyogle Council area, to work constructively with my fellow councillors and to make decisions with integrity and with the long-term interests of our community firmly in mind.
‘Most of all, I want people to know that I am still here, still listening and still working hard for Kyogle and all of our villages.’
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