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April 9, 2026 8:08 AM

New Councillor Elected to Fill Cessnock Ward B Vacancy

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Cessnock City Council Interim General Manager Peter Chrystal and Clr Fatmata Bangura, as Clr Bangura takes the Oath of Office on Wednesday, 18 March, 2026.

Fatmata Bangura is the local government area’s newest elected councillor, following a recent NSW Electoral Commission countback of votes from 2024.

Clr Bangura fills a position in Ward B made vacant by the resignation of Clr Chris Madden in January 2026. Clr Bangura was sworn-in on Wednesday, 18 March, and participated in her first Council meeting afterwards.

Cessnock City Mayor Daniel Watton welcomed Clr Bangura to the role, while thanking Mr Madden for his service to the local community.

“I wish Clr Bangura the best as she embarks on her journey with us here at Council, as we continue to strive for sustainability and the delivery of high-quality outcomes for our community,” said Clr Watton.

“I would also like to thank Mr Madden for his time on Council, and wish him well for the future.”

In October 2024, Council resolved unanimously that a countback election should take place if a councillor resigned in the first 18 months of this term.

Members of the public are welcome to attend Council meetings in-person or online via the live stream on Council’s YouTube channel. A full schedule of meeting dates is available here: www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/meetings

(Supplied)

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