David Haden, pictured with Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown, has been elected to represent the residents of Ward 3 following a countback election. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Wollongong Ward 3 residents, meet your new councillor.
Dapto-born David Haden was elected following a countback election, required due to the resignation in March of councillor Tiana Myers, who stepped down due to personal reasons.
Residents weren’t required to vote to fill the vacancy, as councillors had previously resolved to fill any casual vacancy within 18 months of the September 2024 election by countback.
All unelected candidates who stood in Ward 3 during the election were informed of the vacancy and had the opportunity to submit an application to participate in the countback.
Mr Haden, who ran on Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown’s Labor Party ticket, will take the affirmation of office at council’s next meeting on Monday (20 April).
He said he was very much looking forward to stepping into the role of councillor to represent and advocate for his community.
“I was very surprised when I was notified of the vacancy in Ward 3 and immediately knew that I would be willing to step up as a councillor if the countback was to go in my favour,’’ he said.
“As a lifelong Wollongong resident, I consider it a great honour to serve my community.’’
Mr Haden said while he was keen to act in the interest of all of the community, his particular areas of interest were public libraries, the growth of active transport opportunities including footpaths and cycleways, as well as parks and public spaces.
Cr Brown welcomed Mr Haden and said she was looking forward to working alongside him.
“I’ve known David for a number of years, and he is a passionate individual who seeks to always do the best by his community,” she said.
“The residents of Ward 3, which includes Dapto, Windang and Cringila, will benefit from his energy and enthusiasm.’’
