Stepping up to Inverell's deputy mayor's role was a "natural progression" for Kate Dight, who cannot wait to sink her teeth into her new responsibilities.
"Honoured" to serve alongside mayor Paul Harmon for the next year - at least - she says coming from Yetman laid the ground-work for her dedication to "good old fashioned community representation".
"Small communities are wonderful, they're great training for everyone as to how to really function well within society," she explained.
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"In the past there have been many really strong council leaders from outside our immediate community - Richard Coventry, Barry Johnston, Mal Peters and more - so really my taking on this role, is continuing this contribution and providing a voice to all parts of our community."
Cr Dight put her hand up for deputy having completed her first go round as councillor in the last term, and is taking over the role from long-standing deputy Anthony Michael.
A young councilor such as me needs to take the opportunity to get better. You can't just sit there as a councilor forever - if you are going to become better at this job you need to take on these executive roles.
- Kate Dight
As soon as she was elected into the hot seat, she went straight in to ask him to "keep talking".
"He is such a strong voice for the business community... and he was a very easily accessible sounding board," she said.
"Anthony has done so well in the past, and I would love to say that my contribution puts balance into the representation and gives more of a voice to our rural constituents going forward."
Going up against and coming out on top of a long-standing councilor like Di Baker at last Wednesday's council meeting, enhanced Cr Dight's already steadfast sense of duty.
"[Cr Baker] is a wonderful, strong councillor and I have so much respect for her - she's given me a lot of support in my first term, and I was really grateful for that," she explained.
"I need to really rise to this opportunity, and I need to show people that I am worthy of this.
"A young councilor such as me needs to take the opportunity to get better. You can't just sit there as a councilor forever - if you are going to become better at this job you need to take on these executive roles."
Alongside the obviously exciting projects - like the roundabout and aquatic centre - and the road network which "I'll forever keep banging on about" - Cr Dight is looking forward to "capitalising on the opportunities coming out of the renewable energy sector".
"We need to have the gumption to say 'yes' to it and not be afraid of it, and that's where I'd like to lead our community into recognising there is so much potential with that space - it's a win-win for everyone.
"We can't be afraid of change. I want us to really reset how we think and do things and use it as an opportunity.
"And I think that's what our leadership within the council needs to promote - we've got each others back, we're part of a strong community, and we can go forward."
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