Shock News: Jilly Gibson moves to Mosman, withdraws from North Sydney election race.
By ANNA USHER
North Sydney Councillor and former Mayor Jilly Gibson has called it quits after 25 years.
The local government stalwart has handed the reins over to Pallavi Sinha, a 48-year-old Milsons Point Lawyer who will run as an Independent in the Cammeraygal ward.
Ms Gibson told Mosman Collective that the time was right to “pass the baton” following a recent move to Mosman, where she was looking forward to a break from politics.
“The people of Mosman are lovely, which is a very nice change – and I’m enjoying life to the full in this beautiful suburb,” she said.
“Let’s just say it’s a breath of fresh air to leave the negativity of North Sydney Council.”
Cr Gibson was North Sydney Mayor in 2012 and re-elected in 2017.
She told Mosman Collective that highlights of her time in public office included introducing the Indigenous flag to council chambers, making North Sydney CBD the first LGA to be smoke-free, and her continuing work campaigning for small business.
Ms Gibson holds the record for the longest serving female Councillor in North Sydney.
“The time was right to take a break, though, and I wanted to be closer to my daughter and grandchildren who live in Mosman,” she said.
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Cr Gibson said she would consider a return to local government, and running for a position on Mosman Council was not out of the question.
“I will have a little break but might return in four years time,” she said.
“Don’t write me off just yet – I could return because I love contributing and serving the local community.”
Asked who she would endorse in the upcoming Mosman local government election, Ms Gibson said she backs candidates Simon Menzies and Roy Bendall, who are both “passionate residents”.
“Both Simon and Roy have excellent knowledge of the local area and are lifelong residents,” Ms Gibson said.
“They are approachable and in touch with the community.
“I think both men would be dedicated to the role of Mayor and make it a full-time position.”
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