A HOST of new faces will represent Rockdale Council after the local government election in September, with seven councillors not seeking re-election.
Among the retiring crop is 17-year veteran and former mayor Yvonne Bellamy.
Cr Bellamy, an independent who served a stint as mayor, told the Leader it had been a privilege to represent her community for so long, but it was time for her to spend more time with her family.
"I've been weighing up the situation. I've had a great time and met some fantastic people working really hard for the area," Cr Bellamy said.
Other councillors bowing out are Labor's Angelo Anestis, and Liberals Judy Feeney, John La Mela, Jan Brennan and John Flowers.
Labor councillor Shaoquett Moselmane resigned from the council in May and was not replaced ahead of the upcoming elections.
Two new faces will join Labor councillors Bill Saravinovski, Joe Awada and Shane O'Brien on the campaign trail: Andrew Tsounis, in first ward and Tarek Ibrahim, in second ward.
The lone Liberal seeking re-election is Peter Poulos. He will be joined by four new faces: Nicholas Mickovski in second ward, Petros Kalligas in third ward, Paul Sedrak in fourth ward and Ron Bezic in fifth ward.
Independents Liz Barlow, Michael Nagi and James McDonald are all putting their hands up for another term, as is Greens councillors Lesa de Leau.
Councillor Nagi said the election could prove less competitive than previous years, as fewer candidates were running in most of the wards.
Fourth ward was looking like the most hotly contested race with 13 candidates so far compared to eight and nine for the other four wards.
