Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos has been elected Deputy Mayor of Georges River Council, taking over from Cr Nancy Liu for a one-year term.
A long-time Blakehurst Ward resident and qualified accountant, Cr Stratikopoulos was first elected to the former Kogarah City Council in 2012 and is now serving his second term with Georges River Council.
Reflecting on his appointment, Cr Stratikopoulos said he was “deeply honoured and truly humbled” to take on the role.
“It’s important to recognise that while tonight, this role bears my name — as is often the case with any achievement in life — no journey is ever walked alone. Behind every success are the countless acts of support, encouragement, and sacrifice from others,” Cr Stratikopoulos said.
“While I won’t name names tonight, I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have walked beside me, behind me, and sometimes even carried me when the path was tough. Thank you.”
Cr Liu was formally thanked for her service, with the council noting her commitment to building “a more connected and inclusive community.” She will continue to chair the Local Transport Forum, previously known as the Traffic Advisory Committee.
At the same meeting, committee chairs were reappointed to maintain continuity across council operations, while Cr Oliver Dimoski succeeded Cr Stratikopoulos as chair of the Sports Advisory Committee.
Mayor Elise Borg remains the council’s representative to the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC), joined now by Deputy Mayor Stratikopoulos, who replaces Cr Liu in the role.
Cr Matthew Allison continues as delegate to the Georges River Combined Councils Committee, while Cr Natalie Mort retains her position as Chair of the NSW Public Libraries Association.
Cr Stratikopoulos and Cr Christina Jamieson will also remain on the Sydney South Planning Panel.
