Cr Mike Walmsley and Cr Naomi Purcell retain leadership positions in new Shire of Waroona council

The Shire of Waroona has retained its leadership team for the next two years as the council met for the first time since the local government elections. Three of the four councillors elected at the October 21 poll were sworn in by Justice of the Peace and former councillor Lina Look at the new look council’s first meeting on October 24. Cr Mike Walmsley will extend his tenure as Shire president for the another two years after being elected unopposed to the position. He said he was humbled to continue in the position. “I am quite humbled by the support I have received from council,” Cr Walmsley said. “I don’t take it lightly and I’ll give it everything I can.” He has served in the position since he was re-elected to the council in 2017 following a six-year break. Cr Walmsley highlighted the Waroona town centre project alongside continued population growth and economic development as some of the main issues he was looking forward to over the next two years. “There are a few exciting things happening and we’ll try and do the best for the council,” he said. Cr Naomi Purcell will continue as deputy shire president after she too was elected unopposed to the position. She thanked fellow elected members for their continued support, having held the job for the past four years. It was a fresh start for Cr Charlie Clarke, who has joined the rank of elected members after his second run at the position was successful. A familiar face returned, with Cr Larry Scott back in the hot seat following a two-year absence. Cr John Mason was unable to attend and will be officially sworn in at a later date.