Yesterday was Campbelltown councillor Darcy Lound’s 52nd birthday. It was also the day he became Mayor of Campbelltown, after he was elected unopposed, as was his deputy for the next 12 months, councillor Karen Hunt.
But there were no epic celebrations for Mayor Lound after all the ceremonial requirements were done and dusted in the council chamber.
“No big celebration; just went home with the family for some quality time with them, and then a little birthday cake, and that was that,’’ Mayor Lound told the South West Voice this morning.
“There’s a lot of work to be done and I wanted to get stuck in straight away,’’ he said.
Darcy Lound has been on council for 12 years, the last eight of those with the Labor Party.
He was first elected under the banner of the late Fred Borg’s Totally Locally Committed party back in 2012.
Last night, after becoming mayor, Cr Lound paid tribute to those who have helped him along on his journey, including Fred Borg.
“I feel extremely humbled and honoured at the same time to be sitting here in the Mayor’s chair,’’ he said in his first council speech in the top job.
“It’s a massive privilege to lead this great council and for this great city of Campbelltown,’’ Mayor Lound said.
“I love this place, Campbelltown,’’ he said.
The newly minted Mayor also congratulated his fellow councillors for their success in getting elected to council and promised that he would consult widely around the chamber over the next two years.
“I promise to be a mayor who listens, and whose door is always open,’’ he said.
Back to this morning’s chat with the South West Voice, Mayor Lound said that under his leadership there would be a “back to basics’’ approach.
“This will mean a focus on things like footpaths, such as those leading to bus stops, strategic tree planting and a continuous improvement of our sporting amenities.
“But I also want to encourage developments that will transform our city, especially along our railway corridor,’’ he said.
