Lake Macquarie east ward councillor Christine Buckley has been elected the city's new deputy mayor.
Cr Buckley, of the ALP, defeated north ward councillor Colin Grigg (Lake Macquarie Independents) in a vote at an extraordinary meeting on Monday night.
She takes over from fellow east ward councillor Nick Jones (LIB), who held the role for the past year.
"I thought it would be good experience and give me a chance to get a little more involved in what is happening on council, and support the mayor," Cr Buckley, a resident of Floraville for the past 11 years, said.
Cr Buckley will be deputy mayor until the local government elections in September, 2021. She intends to run for another term on council.
"I welcome you on board and I know you'll be a great support to me," mayor Kay Fraser said in congratulating Cr Buckley.
"Can I also acknowledge Cr Jones ... you've been a fantastic deputy mayor."
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Meanwhile, the council has opened Swansea and Speers Point swim centres early to cater for growing lap-swimming demand.
The opening of both swim centres usually coincides with the September school holidays, but the council's swim centre team leader, Callie Spurr, said the disruption caused by COVID-19 had prompted the early opening to accommodate lap swimmers only.
"We're so pleased to be opening Speers Point swim centre earlier in the season to help accommodate the high demand for lap swimmers," Ms Spurr said.
"We're also excited that our learn to swim classes will start again from next term.
"COVID restrictions haven't allowed for recreational swimming yet, but we're constantly monitoring the situation and exploring options to allow recreational swimming as soon as it is safe and practical to do so."
Bookings for lap swimming are not required.
Swansea swim centre's early opening coincides with the completion of upgrades, including improvements to the grandstand, first-aid room and learn to swim pool.
West Wallsend Swim Centre is also trialling a 5am opening time Monday through Friday over the next two months, half-hour earlier than normal.
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