ELIZABETH FRIAS
NEW Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber has vowed to take a lead in a chapter shaping the future of Sydney’s second CBD.
The longtime Dundas’ councilor of the Labor Party was voted mayor in an extraordinary councilors’ meeting on September 25.
Within 28 minutes of sitting that started at 6pm sharp, a majority of the 15 councilors unseated Parramatta councillor Sameer Pandey, and rejected challenger Dundas councilor, Michelle Garrard, another longtime councilor.
Esber was nominated by Rosehill councilor Patricia Prociv, voted in as deputy Lord Mayor, defeating North Rocks ward councilor Georgina Valjak and Rosehill ward councilor Dan Siviero.
Mr Esberhas represented Dundas for more than two decades and said he was “looking forward to leading the city in its next chapter of transformation.”
“We’ve got a lot of work to do for the next twelve months,” Mr Esber told the chamber after winning.
Mr Esber said Parramatta has positioned itself as “the true heart of Greater Sydney and is attracting global attention for its diversity, vibrant nightlife and commitment to our community.”
“Council is committed to making it the best place to live and raise a family, to work and build a business and a magnet for our smartest minds, most brilliant creatives and promising sporting talent,” he said.
“The next 10 years will shape the future of this great city and we want to make everyday count. I am proud to lead council into this next formative period.”
Clr Prociv said she was honored to be elected as deputy Lord Mayor.
Esber and Prociv are expected to hold the positions until the local government election in September 2024.
Photo: Dundas councilor Pierra Esber and Rosehill councilor Patricia Prociv pictured on September 25, 2023 at the Parramatta Council Chamber after being voted in as mayor and deputy mayor respectively.
