GLENORCHY’S FRESH CREW

THE new 10-member Glenorchy City Council boasts six new faces, six females and six aldermen aged under 40.

And eight of the aldermen — who will now serve until the 2022 local government elections — were part of Mayor Kristie Johnston’s “Team Kristie” ticket.

Deputy Mayor-elect Matt Stevenson said the new council was an “amazing mix” and he was excited about delivering for the people of Glenorchy.

THE new Glenorchy City Council will take office this afternoon.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission yesterday released the results of the postal ballot.

Six new aldermen have been elected — Melissa Carlton, Gaye Richardson, Peter Bull, Simon Fraser, Bec Thomas and Kelly Sims — and will join returning aldermen Kristie Johnston, Matt Stevenson, Jan Dunsby and Steven King.

Ms Johnston was re-elected mayor, and Mr Stevenson was elected deputy mayor.

Ms Carlton, YMCA chief executive and a former Paralympian said the news of her election to the council was “still sinking in”.

“I actually feel quite overwhelmed; it’s a big responsibility,” she said.

Ms Carlton said the dysfunction within the previous council, which was sacked in November last year, had stalled a community plan, and the efforts of the sport and recreation committee.

“It’s a fresh start for council and I’m really committed to doing my best,” she said.

Deputy Mayor-elect Matt Stevenson said the new council was an “amazing mix of aldermen”.

“While there are still some boxes we should aim to tick, we have six new faces, six females, and six under the age of 40. That is a very different council to the ordinary,” Mr Stevenson said.

“I am really excited about this great opportunity we now have to deliver for Glenorchy.”

A declaration of the polls will be held this afternoon and elected candidates will each sign a document that makes official their role as alderman.

Two aldermen from the previous council who sought re-election were not successful.

Jenny Branch-Allen, first elected in 2007, conceded defeat on Wednesday and Harry Quick, elected to the council in 2014 and who was a federal MP from 1993-2007, was also not elected.

Eight of the new council’s aldermen were part of Ms Johnston’s “Team Kristie” ticket.

Mr King, who was Ms Johnston’s only opponent for mayor, and Simon Fraser were not part of Team Kristie.

The council will hold a special meeting, likely early next month, to distribute committee roles.

The council’s first ordinary meeting is scheduled for February 26.

Glenorchy City Council has been in the hands of a commissioner, former Legislative Councillor Sue Smith, since aldermen were suspended last February.

The new council will serve until the 2022 local government elections.