Meet Bayside Council’s New Leaders: Mayor Edward McDougall and Deputy Mayor Heidi Lee Douglas

Here at 90.1 NBC FM, we’re all about keeping you in the loop on local happenings! Last night, Bayside Council elected new leaders during an extraordinary meeting at Botany Town Hall: Councillor Edward McDougall is now the mayor, and Councillor Heidi Lee Douglas steps in as deputy mayor. Let’s dive into who they are and what they stand for.

Mayor Edward McDougall: A Champion for Bayside’s Safety

Mayor McDougall has been representing the Bayside community for seven years as a Labor Councillor. He’s well-known for his efforts to tackle issues like hooning and anti-social behavior along the Botany Bay foreshore, covering suburbs from Kyeemagh to Sans Souci. With initiatives such as nighttime foreshore carpark closures, traffic-calming measures, and speed and safety cameras along The Grand Parade, he’s been proactive in addressing community concerns.

Edward McDougall isn’t just a community-focused leader—he also has an impressive background. He lives in Kyeemagh with his wife Ella and holds qualifications in law, economics, and an MBA. Plus, he’s a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His commitment to the Bayside community runs deep, and he’s determined to bring positive change as the new mayor.

Deputy Mayor Heidi Lee Douglas: Standing for Peaceful Streets

Councillor Douglas is no stranger to community advocacy. As the founder of the Peaceful Bayside Action Group, she started her journey after a couple of close calls with reckless drivers in 2020, sparking her passion for safer streets. Her petition to combat hooning in Bayside gathered over 3,000 signatures, ultimately leading her to be elected as a Ward 5 Councillor in 2021. Since then, she’s been instrumental in bringing noise camera trials to Bayside, set to begin soon through a NSW government trial.

As a mother and a dedicated community member, Heidi Lee Douglas has turned her advocacy into action, even registering Peaceful Bayside as a political party in 2023. Now, as deputy mayor, she’s ready to push for even more change.

Your New Bayside Council

Here’s a quick look at the team of councillors representing the Bayside wards:

• Ward 1: Christina Curry, Scott Morrissey, Ron Bezic

• Ward 2: Jerome Boutelet, Soraya Kassim, Peter Strong

• Ward 3: Michael Nagi, Janin Bredehoeft, Christopher Saravinovski

• Ward 4: Joe Awada, Fiona Douskou, Liz Barlow

• Ward 5: Edward McDougall (Mayor), Heidi Lee Douglas (Deputy Mayor), Vicki Poulos

We’re excited to see how the new leadership team will shape the future of Bayside, working toward safer streets and a stronger community. Stay tuned to 90.1 NBC FM for updates on local news, and join us as we continue to keep Bayside connected!