Elected as a first time Councillor and immediately elected as Mayor following the September 2024 election, Mayor Margot Davis brings more than 20 years of experience in economic development, strategic planning, marketing, and place-making.
“My focus has always been on solving problems creatively and collaboratively building projects, services and more recently communities where people and ideas can thrive,” Mayor Davis said.
Following her upbringing in Glen Innes, Margot’s career began in advertising in London, leading major campaigns for brands such as British Gas, Lloyds TSB, and Optus through roles at Ogilvy One and M&C Saatchi.
After returning to regional NSW to her hometown, she became Manager of Economic Development at Glen Innes Severn Council, where she led key projects like the Highlands Hub, the Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk, the Grow Glen Innes Think Tank and the award-winning Glen Innes Highlands Economic Development Strategy.
As Mayor, Margot is focused on restoring financial sustainability, advocating for place-based funding, tackling the housing crisis, and supporting local skills development and entrepreneurism.
She has also been an ardent supporter of the call for the restoration of Financial Assistance Grants to one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue knowing it is a big ask but a fight local government needs to maintain.
A major initiative of Mayor Davis has been around the development of a framework for councillor psychosocial-safety.
“We must ensure local government is safe, an environment where Councillors can meet their responsibilities without intimidation, and where community members feel supported and encouraged to step up and run for office,” she said.
Margot is leading the Council through significant challenges, including ageing infrastructure, system inefficiencies, underinvestment in business and industry, and ongoing economic and housing pressures.
“I want Glen Innes and the surrounds to be a place where people feel empowered to grow—where innovations and collaboration drives our future, as a true local, I am deeply committed to making my hometown a better place,” she added.
Through strong advocacy, fiscal discipline, and bold vision, Mayor Davis is committed to creating a future-ready, inclusive, and resilient community that will be vibrant for generations to come.
