Dubbo Regional Council deputy mayor Stephen Lawrence was elected as regional vice president of Local Government NSW at its annual conference on Tuesday.
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Cr Lawrence said he would use the position to be a strong advocate to state and federal government for rural communities struggling with drought and other issues on behalf of all councils.
"To be honest I was very surprised when the scrutineers sent through the results that showed I had topped the vote," he said.
"A Labor councillor hasn't won the position for a very long time.
"It's elected by all the rural and regional councillors and independents and conservatives have normally been elected.
"I see it as a massive vote of confidence in the work Dubbo Regional Council has done, particularly on highlighting social issues."
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