Kemmis replaces Kok as Deputy

Newly elected City of Sydney councillor Robyn Kemmis has replaced Robert Kok as Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney.

Ms Kemmis, one of five successful Clover Moore Independent Team members in the recent local government elections, was voted Deputy Lord Mayor at the first meeting of the new Council last Friday.

Despite a challenge from new Liberal councillor Christine Forster, Ms Kemmis won with the support of her Clover Moore Independent Team colleagues, Labor councillor Linda Scott and Greens councillor Irene Doutney.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore hailed the appointment of Ms Kemmis as her Deputy, saying Ms Kemmis’ prior community and Council experience would hold her in good stead.

“As a former Deputy Vice Chancellor at UTS, senior public servant, advocate for communities in and around Glebe and former Councillor, Robyn Kemmis brings significant experience to the role of Deputy Lord Mayor,” Ms Moore told Alt Media.

“Robyn was a Councillor from 2004 to 2008, helping bring in the City’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan to ensure long term, responsible governance.”

Ms Moore said she looked forward to working with Ms Kemmis on issues such as childcare, support for small and medium businesses, and tackling climate change.

Neither Mr Kok nor Ms Kemmis was available for comment.

Mr Kok had been elected Deputy Lord Mayor in September last year. He will continue as one of the ten City of Sydney councillors, who were officially declared by Town Crier Graham Keating last Wednesday morning.

Mr Keating – Sydney’s official Town Crier since 1986 – rang in the councillors in a colourful ceremony on the steps of Town Hall, which was followed by morning tea and the Lord Mayor’s official welcome.