IAN North has equalled the record for the most terms serving as deputy mayor of Bathurst after being returned to the position on Wednesday night.
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With the NSW local government election postponed to September 2021, Bathurst Regional Council needed to elect a deputy mayor to hold the position for the next 12 months.
Cr North was the only nominee for the position and therefore was elected unanimously.
Mayor Bobby Bourke was the first to congratulate him on his re-election.
"He's been a support this year to me and hopefully we have another 12 months of good support between each other," he said.
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This will be Cr North's 11th year as deputy mayor since joining council in 2004 and Wednesday night's election makes him one of the longest-serving deputy mayors in Bathurst council history.
He is now tied with Dick Locke, who served as deputy mayor for 11 terms between 1981 and 1991.
Cr North said he felt "very honoured and proud" to be returned to the position, particularly going into his 11th year.
"I'm absolutely honoured to think that Dick Locke, who did 11 years, I've now equalled Dick Locke," he said.
"I remember as a young adult my dad introduced me to him, it was a long time ago, and Dad spoke very highly of Dick Locke and I've always heard wonderful things about his involvement in the community. To be equal in supporting the community as he did, I'm very, very honoured."
There will likely be further opportunities for Cr North to extend that tally, as he has no intention of stepping away from council any time soon.
"This city and this region means too much to me," he said.
"Something my late Dad always said to me is it's probably the most important community job you can do, and while I figure I can still offer support to the community I want to continue to be a councillor.
"I feel as comfortable now as when I started back in 2004 doing the job. It's not tiring me. I love what I do because of the people and seeing Bathurst improve."
The next local government election is scheduled for September 4, 2021.
Bathurst council did not hold an election for the position of mayor on Wednesday, as the state government has advised that those mayors elected in 2019 for one year will now hold the position until 2021.
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