Dale Smedley, co-owner of gay Richmond pub DT’s, has been elected to the City of Yarra Council.

Smedley, who stood for Melba Ward in last weekend’s elections, was sworn in on Tuesday night at Fitzroy Town Hall.

“I’m a bit blown away by it, because I didn’t think I would quite make it,” Smedley told MCV.

“I had a huge amount of support from local volunteers and that was probably one of the things that got me across the line.

“I think it will work well for everyone,” he said.

Former Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer said he hopes the appointment of Robert Doyle as Melbourne’s new Lord Mayor will not be detrimental to the GLBTI community.

“In this term I have managed to do a lot for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex community and hopefully a lot of its not undone in the next four years,” Singer said.

Singer, who was unsuccessful in his bid to be Lord Mayor, said Melbourne may be heading for “interesting times” under Doyle.

“[Doyle] didn’t present any policies really. His main policy is the reopening of Swanston Street, which clearly is not going to happen.”

Singer will now return to private law practice, but told MCV he will continue to work in the community.

“I will get more involved in different areas of the community, I love community work and I will have more time now to give to the community.”

Other unsuccessful gay candidates in last weekend’s elections were Peel proprietor Tom McFeely, who ran for Yarra, former Greens state campaign coordinator Dinesh Mathew, who ran for Port Phillip, and Tim Wilson from the Institute of Public Affairs, who ran for Melbourne Deputy Lord Mayor.

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