NEW TEAM: The new Whitsunday Regional Council cutting their celebratory cake in Bowen on Monday afternoon.

THE Whitsundays officially has a new council.

Our representatives took their oaths of office at a special meeting in Bowen on Monday, pledging to do their utmost for the region.

Welcoming his new councillors, Mayor Andrew Willcox said there would be changes afoot.

"I would like to say loud and clear that this council has a new direction," he said.

Cr Willcox pledged to be "open and transparent".

"And we will empower, trust and respect our elected representatives, our staff and most importantly our community."

With the work of running the region awaiting them, Cr Willcox promised they would "hit the ground running".

"So we had out statutory meeting today, but over the next two weeks, before we have our first meeting, I'm going to spend the time creating the team which will lead this great region of ours forward," he said.

The meeting also saw Division 3 councillor John Collins elected as deputy mayor.

"I certainly won't be changing in the ways I've approached council," Cr Collins said.

"I know with the title of deputy mayor comes the added responsibility of serving the whole community."

Cr Collins said he might not be the longest serving councillor, be felt he was up to the task.

"I realise that there are many more experienced people around that table who are probably more aware of council policies and regulations, however I will be doing my best to fill this position to the best of my ability," he said.

"I'm sure that all the councillors are professional enough to accept me in this role."

SWORN IN

Mayor - Andrew Willcox

Deputy Mayor and Division 3 - John Collins

Division 1 - Jan Clifford

Division 2 - Ron Petterson

Division 4 - Peter Ramage

Division 5 - Dave Clark

Division 6 - Mike Brunker