Darcy Byrne and Jessica D’Arienzo elected to lead Inner West Council

Thursday 30 December 2021

Darcy Byrne was elected as Mayor and Jess D’Arienzo as Deputy Mayor of the Inner West at last night’s inaugural meeting of the new Council.

The 15-member Council, which includes 10 first-time Councillors, has also been sworn-in, representing a changing of the guard at Inner West Council.

Mayor Byrne served previously for four years as the inaugural Mayor of the Inner West.

Byrne said that while Labor had won an outright majority on the new Council it was time for all elected representatives to work together to serve the people of the Inner West.

“Our new, youthful team will bring enthusiasm, expertise, experience and passion to the task of making Inner West Council work for local people,” Byrne said.

“The election of a Labor majority means we have a big responsibility to govern for the whole Inner West community. We know that this victory requires us to listen to and represent all local people and include all viewpoints in decision making.

“We are determined to work collaboratively with all elected representatives, from all parties and groups, to make sure the organisation is focused on serving local people.

“We took a positive and ambitious policy agenda to the community and will implement that progressive program now,” said Byrne.

Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo was elected in the Ashfield Ward following her long-term leadership of the “Save Dully” campaign which protected Dulwich Hill from the State Government’s development plans.

“Dulwich Hill has been my home for over a decade. As a trade unionist I put my skills to use and stood with the community through the Save Dully Action Group,” D’Arienzo said.

“I am excited to now be able to bring my experiences to serving the whole Inner West community.

“We are a progressive, passionate and inclusive community. I will work collaboratively with all Councillors to ensure the needs and interests of local citizens are prioritised,” said D’Arienzo.