Image: All photos: Lord Mayor Clover Moore / Facebook.
On 22 October, Lord Mayor Clover Moore marked her 80th birthday, in the midst of her record-breaking stint occupying the office.
Lord Mayor Moore was born in 1945, and has held the position since 27 March 2004. Her tenure far eclipses that of runner-up Frank Sartor, who served for close to 12 years between 1991 and 2003.
She has been contentious at times. The latest controversy to face the City follows new regulations imposed for buskers along George Street, which are now getting a look over.
However, no concentrated, concerted effort has succeeded in unseating her – and not for a lack of trying. In 2024, two high-profile candidates aged in their 30s attempted to claim the office: Labor contender Zann Maxwell and Liberal Lyndon Gannon. Other candidates included Greens councillor Sylvie Ellsmore and independent Yvonne Weldon.
None could grasp the prize. Moore claimed her sixth consecutive victory.
She is the 82nd person to head the City of Sydney, which was incorporated in 1842, with Charles Windeyer the first at its helm. In 1902, King Edward VII granted the title of Lord Mayor, recognising the important status of the City.
Moore says that the City has been “transformed”
Commenting to the City Hub, Moore was positive about her time in office. Her “independent teams have provided progressive, stable and corruption-free governance” since 2004, she said.
The Lord Mayor added that the City has been “transformed, because the community has supported us” in making it more liveable, sustainable and vibrant. Moore said that the same work continues to motivate her, rejecting arguments that she has held office for too long.
“City-making takes time. It is about having a vision, doing the consultation and research and having tenacity and courage to see plans through – regardless of the shortsighted criticism from vested interests or tabloid media.” She listed light rail, bike lanes, action on climate change and public art as being amongst her achievements.
Now an octogenarian, Clover doesn’t show any sign of slowing down
“There may be some who will criticise me for wanting to continue in this role, but I am proud of what our worthwhile work has accomplished, and I am excited about the work ahead,” says Moore.
A couple of comparisons to significant political figures may be instructive. The Lord Mayor is at the same age that Sir Winston Churchill was when he was forced to resign, yet is also as old as Nelson Mandela was when he assumed the presidency of South Africa.
“Rather than age, I think we should judge people on their performance, and in terms of my performance, I’ve shown I honour commitments, I’m competent, I carry through. I hope that my experience and capability are recognised as strengths.”
She was complimentary towards her fellow candidates at the last election, and to her fellow councillors, all of whom “have voiced a commitment to addressing housing challenges, breathing new life into our nighttime economy and supporting our community with world-class infrastructure and services.”
“So while there was disagreement on the campaign trail, the reality of governing has been quite different, with major Council initiatives supported unanimously and a collaborative environment in the Council chamber.”
Opponents never did “Get Clover”
In 2012, the Lord Mayor was forced to resign her overlapping seat in the Legislative Assembly. This followed passage of the “Get Clover” laws, as the media called them, which prohibit an individual from serving in a local legislature and the state parliament simultaneously.
From the 1980s until 2004, the boundaries of the City were changed multiple times, garnering accusations that electoral motives belied the alterations. The final reorganisation prompted allegations that the government of the day was trying to cement Labor dominance. Residents elected Clover Moore instead.
Fellow councillors contacted by the City Hub wished the Lord Mayor a happy birthday.
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