Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones (left) with Deputy Mayor Kristen Butler (right).
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday, 24 September, Yass Valley Councillors re-elected Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones and Deputy Mayor Kristen Butler for a two-year term from September 2026 to September 2028.
Mayor Jones, who has served on the Council since 2012, and as Mayor since 2024, went up against Councillor Adrian Cameron, who put his hat in the ring for the position.
The final vote ended with five votes for Mayor Jones, two for Councillor Cameron and two abstentions.
Yass Valley Council released a statement following the re-election of both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
“[Mayor Jasmin Jones] has been a strong advocate for our community around issues such as health, education and much needed local infrastructure across local state and federal portfolios,” they wrote.
“Deputy Mayor Butler has served as the Deputy Mayor since 2024. She values building strong community connections and actively seeks opportunities to foster them.
“Council looks forward to continue working with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in continued advocacy to make Yass Valley a great place to live, work and thrive.”
The election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, they wrote, was conducted in accordance with clause 394 and Schedule 7 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2002 (the Regulation).
Councillor Cameron expressed his concerns about the election online, noting speeches were omitted from either Mayor candidate before the votes were distributed and collected.
In an online statement, Councillor Cameron issued what would have been in speech.
“I was going to prioritise four key issues,” he said.
His priorities included ensuring the proper supply of a growth strategy plan to ensure it delivers responsible development, valuing a growing population by establishing closer links with local community groups and associations, further engagement of the “youth of the Valley” to identify how Council might assist in catering to the next generation, and waste.
“In summary, a vote for me as Mayor would have meant we would tack over-developments, we would grow communities, we’d establish programs for youth, and finally, we would implement effective recycling as a matter of urgency,” he said.
In her Mayoral Minute online, Mayor Jones spoke about what the re-election meant to her.
“Two years ago, I put my hand up to serve as Mayor of Yass Valley,” she wrote.
“I love our towns and villages, our farms and our vineyards, our precious natural escapes from Wee Jasper to Wallaroo, our big skies, and our bighearted people.
“Two years on, and clocking 14 years [of] service as an elected councillor, I’m even more convinced that Yass Valley has an enormous future ahead of it.
Most of all, I want to see our kids thrive here and have the opportunity to live where they grew up… and for those who leave and return to raise their children here, to find the bush, the town, and the sense of belonging – better than they remembered.
“But I’m also very aware that a good future doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, hard work, advocacy, sound financial decisions and, importantly, a community prepared to roll up its sleeves and make things happen. Sometimes it also takes a compassionate response that a budget line in an operational plan can never reflect the true value; such as opening the pool for free in a weeklong heatwave so locals and travellers alike can seek reprieve no matter their circumstances.”
Mayor Jones concluded her Mayoral Minute with thanks to those around her.
“I would like to acknowledge the service of Deputy Mayor Kristin Butler and my fellow councillors who have been chairing committees, bringing their expertise and unique voices to the table, supporting community groups and committees, and fearlessly advocating for our ratepayers and residents when we come together to make decisions on your behalf,” she wrote.
“Two years in, I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to lead our Council team, to listen to our community and to learn, every day, more about what makes this place special and what we can do to make it even better.
“There is plenty more work to do. But there is also an enormous amount to look forward to.
“And I reckon the best part is that we’re doing it together.
“Thank you, Yass Valley, for trusting me with the privilege of serving and representing you.”
To read Mayor Jones’ full Mayoral Minute, visit https://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/Home/Tabs/News/Mayoral-Message-September-2026
Councillor Cameron will continue to serve as a Councillor for the Yass Valley.
Elizabeth Kovacs
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