“Let’s all work together for this shire”: new mayor tells meeting

Recently elected Narrabri Shire Council mayor Darrell Tiemens set a collegial tone at the start of Tuesday’s ordinary council meeting, telling councillors his ‘door is always open’ and encouraging the local representatives to ‘work together for the shire’.

“I’d just like to just acknowledge that it’s my first full meeting today,” said Cr Tiemens.

“I’d like to acknowledge the GM(general manager) and the directors, and I certainly look forward to working very closely with the directors and also the general manager.

“We’ve got a very talented suite of senior management in this council.

“I really look forward to the work that all of us are continuing to do with our directors.

“I also look forward to working with all councillors.

“We may not necessarily agree on every issue, but I really look forward to working together, for consensus on some of these tough issues.

“It is, of course, my desire to give every councillor the opportunity to speak where appropriate.

“And of course, I would appreciate councillors’ cooperation in regards to the meeting practice.

“It is my intention to be fair, inclusive at all times.

“My door is always open to any councillor, at any stage, no matter what the issue is.

“Let’s all work together for this shire. And let’s move on to the agenda.

“Thank you very much.”