At the 1st Ordinary Council Meeting in October 2026, Councillor Sarah Henderson was appointed by her fellow Councillors to serve as City of Palmerston’s next Deputy Mayor.
Councillor Henderson will assume the position from 6 November 2026 to 1 June 2027.
The Deputy Mayor position rotates every 207 days, providing all Councillors the opportunity to serve in the role during their term. Deputy Mayor Wayne Bayliss has held the position since 12 April 2026, concluding his term on 5 November 2026.
Councillor Henderson has called Palmerston home for more than 35 years and is serving her third term on Council. She has long advocated for Palmerston’s senior residents and regularly takes part in community events.
“It’s a privilege to serve the community I call home. I thank my fellow Councillors for their trust and look forward to supporting the Mayor,” said Councillor Henderson.
“One of the things I value most about being on Council is hearing directly from residents. Those conversations help me understand what matters to people, and that will continue to guide me as Deputy Mayor.”
Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell congratulated Councillor Henderson on her appointment, saying, “Councillor Henderson brings valuable experience and a strong community focus to the role. I look forward to working alongside her as Deputy Mayor.
“I also thank Councillor Bayliss for his support during his term as Deputy Mayor and his ongoing contribution to our city.”
Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 17 November 2026 at Council Chambers, Civic Plaza, 1 Chung Wah Terrace, Palmerston.
All Council meetings are open to the public, with a public forum held prior to each meeting. The forum provides community members with an opportunity to meet and engage directly with City of Palmerston’s Elected Members.
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Media Contact: 0418 372 444
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