Inner West Council elects its youngest Deputy Mayor

Wednesday 20 September 2023

At last night’s Inner West Mayoral election, Councillor Chloe Smith was elected Deputy Mayor. At 29 years of age, she becomes the Inner West’s youngest ever Deputy Mayor.

Born and raised in the Inner West, Councillor Smith attended local schools (Yeo Park Public School and Ashbury Public School) and was active in the Ashbury Netball Club.

A resident of Petersham, Chloe can be found barracking for the Newtown Jets at Henson Park and exploring the world-class restaurants and cafes of the Inner West.

Chloe is passionate about a progressive Council and ensuring that young people have a voice in local decision-making. As 25-39 year-olds are the largest group of residents in the Inner West , Chloe believes it is critical that young people are represented at the local government level on the issues that affect them the most - including housing, the climate crisis, and support for live music and the arts.

Chloe’s proudest achievements of this Council are:

Implementing the Enmore Road Special Entertainment Precinct, the first of its kind in NSW
Activation of town halls as artistic and live music hubs
The early rollout of FOGO food recycling to dramatically cut emissions and landfill.
Record investment in tree planting and reinvigorating our main streets
Supporting local electric vehicle uptake
Advocating and working with local organisations to build more affordable and public housing in the Inner West

Councillor Smith said, “We're a Council that aims to deliver a high standard of service while championing the issues that matter to our community.

"I'm honoured to be elected the Inner West’s youngest ever Deputy Mayor. It's critical that young people have a voice in local government, because we deserve to be represented and engaged on decisions that affect us.

"As a lifelong local, it's a real privilege to represent the community I love. Our community is passionate, engaged, and excited for the future, and I want to make sure our Council reflects that.

"I will work hard to support our track record of delivering on the issues that matter to our community. Inner West Council is focused on first-rate service delivery and getting the basics right, while also championing action on climate change, support for the arts and live music, and being part of the solution to the housing crisis."

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne, Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au