18-09-2026
Upper Lachlan Shire Councillors have elected Cr Gregory Harris as Mayor following a vote at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
Cr Harris was elected by his fellow Councillors to serve as Mayor for the remainder of the Council term, succeeding outgoing Mayor Cr Paul Culhane.
Cr Harris will work alongside his fellow Councillors, Council staff and the community as Council continues to deliver essential services and infrastructure, while advocating for the funding, investment and opportunities needed to support communities across the Upper Lachlan Shire.
Councillors also re-elected Cr Rob Cameron as Deputy Mayor.
Chief Executive Officer Alex Waldron congratulated Mayor Harris and the Deputy Mayor following the Council vote.
“I congratulate Cr Harris on being elected Mayor by his fellow Councillors and look forward to working with him as he takes on this important leadership and advocacy role for our Shire,” Ms Waldron said.
“The Mayor plays an important role in representing Council and our communities and advocating for the investment, services and infrastructure our Shire needs. Strong relationships with other levels of government and our regional partners are particularly important for a rural council such as ours.”
Mayor Harris said:“I am honoured that my fellow Councillors have elected me Mayor. I thank Cr Paul Culhane for his leadership over the past two years and for the work he has done to restabilise Council and reconnect it with our people.
I want Council to focus on the basics and do the core functions extremely well. Ratepayers deserve to know the why behind every dollar we spend.
One of my first priorities will be to visit the towns and villages across the Shire, speak with local groups and organisations, and listen. Council has to stay aligned with the community.
If we get the basics right and create more local opportunity, we give people a reason to stay and a reason to come. I look forward to working with Deputy Mayor Rob Cameron, my fellow Councillors, Council staff and residents right across the Upper Lachlan.”
Council also acknowledged outgoing Mayor Cr Paul Culhane and thanked him for his leadership, commitment and service during his time as Mayor.
Chief Executive Officer Alex Waldron said “Cr Culhane has been a strong and passionate advocate for the Upper Lachlan Shire. He has consistently worked to ensure our communities have a voice and that the priorities and challenges facing our Shire are heard by State and Federal governments and other key decision-makers,”
“His commitment to representing the Shire, advocating for Council’s priorities and building relationships across government and the region has made an important contribution during his time as Mayor. I sincerely thank him for his leadership, his advocacy and his service to our community.”
Upper Lachlan Shire Council looks forward to working with Mayor Harris and the Deputy Mayor as Council continues to deliver its strategic priorities, advocate for the needs of the Shire and support strong, connected and sustainable communities.