BRIEF technical difficulties aside, Newcastle's new independent lord mayor Gavin Morris appeared to be off to a smooth start as councillors pledged to work collaboratively at his first ordinary council meeting since last month's byelection battle.
A motion congratulating Cr Morris was brought to the top of the list on Tuesday night, acknowledging him as the city's 16th lord mayor and wishing him the best in the role.
Councillors from across the chamber used the debate to praise the tone of the election campaign and signal a willingness to work together despite political differences.
Labor councillor Declan Clausen, who ran against Cr Morris, said while he was personally disappointed in the result, he intended to work constructively with him.
"The people of Newcastle have made a very clear decision, and for all of us here in the chamber, we now have a responsibility to work together in the best interests of our city," he said.
Cr Clausen said his former opponent's approach so far was "very refreshing".
He said Newcastle needs a lord mayor that has clear values, sound judgement, conviction, and the willingness to make difficult decisions when required.
"There are going to be moments where criticisms will come regardless of the path that you choose to take, and where leadership means making decisions because you believe that they are right for the long-term of our city," Cr Clausen said.
"I won't pretend that as a councillor I will be able to support every initiative that you put forward, I was elected, like everybody else, with my own values and principles, and I remain accountable to those people who have supported me and sent me to this chamber.
"But what I can commit to very clearly and sincerely is approaching your term as our city's lord mayor in good faith."
The April byelection was triggered by former lord mayor Ross Kerridge's resignation due to health issues.
Cr Morris stormed to a thumping victory, claiming more than 50 per cent of the votes.
Liberal councillor Callum Pull said the seat Cr Morris won "should be a heavy one".
"It's a big job that you've got before you, but the people of this city have placed incredible trust in you, and I sincerely hope that that trust is well-founded," he said.
"This election I thought was truly a race to the top, as opposed to some more recent campaigns, which were certainly not that.
"You are now the first citizen of Newcastle, lord mayor, and I want to say that I hope you go on to be one of our best lord mayors, because our city needs it and our city most certainly deserves it."
Other councillors also rose to share in the spirit of collaboration.
In response, the newly-minted lord mayor thanked his colleagues for the "lovely icebreaker".
"It's an absolute honour to sit before you this evening," Cr Morris said.
"I recognise the high level of trust placed in me as now your lord mayor, and I strongly agree with the importance of collaboration.
"There are many passionate people who want the best for our city, and as we've all just said, we don't always agree on what that looks like, but we can all respect that we have the city's best interests at heart."
