The new mayor of Warrumbungle Shire says her priorities will be to govern with a kind and inclusive approach and ensure council sets sail for a strong and sustainable future.

Councillor Kathryn Rindfleish was last week elected Mayor, and will be supported by Councillor Jason Newton as deputy.

In accepting the role Cr Rindfleish thanked her fellow councillors for their trust and support, committing to continuing the work done by her predecessor, outgoing Mayor Ambrose Doolan.

Having been a part of the Coolah community for many years, the business woman is an active leader who is also president of the Coolah Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the local swimming club and an active volunteer.

“I welcome the opportunity to lead the Warrumbungle Shire Council as we navigate through ever changing times and look forward to building a stronger more effective team working with our Councillors,” Cr Rindfleish said.

“These relationships are an integral part of the success of any Council and we need to foster and support those existing relationships and build new relationships with as many stakeholders as we can to ensure that Council is engaged with the community.  This will go a long way to ensuring the Warrumbungle Shire Council can be a success story that everyone can be proud of. 

“A collaborative approach within our network will ensure the opportunity for our staff to feel valued and will enable the team to take ownership of their roles within the organisation.” 

She said newly elected Councillors and returning Councillors had hit the ground running.  “I will continue to ensure we work to achieve our goals under the Council plan and look forward to continuing to work with our communities throughout the shire.”  

The other councillors and Warrumbungle Shire Council Acting General Manager, Lindsay Mason, congratulated both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on their election. They will now serve in the roles until the next mayoral elections in September 2026.