SYDNEY: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) has congratulated Armenian Councillor Artin Etmekdjian on his election as Mayor for the City of Ryde.

Etmekdjian, a Liberal, takes over from Labor Councillor Michael Butterworth after winning the vote of councillors 7-5 in what is the most Armenian-populated municipality in Australia.

ANC Australia Political Relations Officer Vache Kahramanian said: "We have a very close relationship with Clr Etmekdjian and we congratulate him on becoming the first Armenian to serve as Mayor of an Australian city council."

This fact was not lost on former Mayor of Ryde Ivan Petch, who told Etmekdjian: "Congratulations on becoming the first Armenian mayor of the City of Ryde. You are only approaching your third year in council and yet you are already mayor, and I don't know too many other people with that achievement."

Etmekdjian said to his fellow councillors: "I will have an open door policy while I serve as mayor and look forward to working with each and every one of you."

Petch is the new Deputy Mayor of Ryde.