Bowen And Betts To Carry The Mayoral Batons

By Georgia Swanborough on November 1, 2012 in News

Following the local council elections held in September, introductions are in order for Randwick and Waverley’s new mayors, Michael Bowen and Sally Betts.

Labor councillor Bowen may be a newcomer to the role as Mayor of Randwick, but has politics in his blood, while Liberal Councillor Betts returns for a fourth term in the position, having been been re-elected for the Waverley mayorship.

Mayor Betts has lived in Waverley since she moved to Australia in 1974 from South Africa.

She is the longest serving member of the Waverley Council, having served for 17 years.

“I was first endorsed as a Liberal candidate for the State seat of Waverley back in 1988. I didn’t win that seat… but this whetted my appetite for politics,” Mayor Betts said.

Mayor Betts is taking over from John Wakefield, who has served as Waverley Council’s mayor for the past year.

“I am very proud to have been elected mayor once again for Waverley Council,” Mayor Betts said.

Mayor Betts has many plans for Waverley over the coming year including a review of the current residential parking scheme, more public transport options and an increase in dog areas.

According to the mayor, she will be working with the council to implement strategies for these issues.

Plans have also made to trial free Wi-Fi at Bondi Beach and Park.

“This would be a fantastic way to connect with our community and promote… safety, alcohol and environmental messages,” Mayor Betts said.

Although Mayor Bowen is inexperienced when it comes to mayorship, he is no stranger to politics.

Mayor Bowen’s father, Lionel Bowen, was the Mayor of Randwick from 1951 to 1955, and went on to serve as Bob Hawke’s deputy from 1983 to 1990.

“With a well-known Labor figure for a father… you may be surprised that I did not immediately enter politics as a young man,” he said.

Regardless of his lack of immediate interest in politics, Bowen said he’s been interested in social justice since his school days and this was one of the reasons he stood as a councillor in 2008.

“I am humbled to be elected Mayor of Randwick,” Mayor Bowen said. “I will do everything in my power to ensure that the council continues to operate effectively for our residents and ratepayers.”

Like Mayor Betts, Bowen also plans to address the lack of parking in the area, and says he will be taking action as soon as possible.

Mayor Bowen also plans to decrease domestic waste sent to landfill, as well as helping those less fortunate within the community.

“We are all part of something bigger,” Mayor Bowen said, “We are all part of a deep commitment, whatever political party, to wanting to make our community a better place for us and our children.”