The Saddle Hill Community Board has a new hand on the tiller, but some familiar waters to navigate.
After nine years - or three terms - at the helm, former chairman Keith McFadyen confirmed late last month he would not be seeking re-election.
And, last week, he was replaced as chairman by three-term incumbent board member Scott Weatherall, the son of former city councillor Colin Weatherall.
Joining him in a new leadership role was fellow long-serving board member Pam Jemmett, who was elected his deputy at the new board's inaugural meeting last week.
Mr Weatherall said he was excited by the mix of fresh blood and experience on the board, including the arrival of new member Leanne Stenhouse.
Ms Stenhouse, of Brighton, would join Mr McFadyen, Mrs Jemmett, and businessmen John Moyle and Jonathan Usher on the board.
Mr Weatherall said it would be ''business as usual'' for the board as it worked towards the completion of several community projects.
That included completing the beautification of Fairfield's main street, already under way,
as well as improvements to Walton Park and a new management plan for Brighton Domain, he said.
It was hoped improvements to Fairfield's main street could be completed in ''three or four months'', once council staff had concluded consultation with residents over the project, he said.
It was also expected the board would take a ''lead hand'' in co-ordinating the new management plan for Brighton Domain, with input from users of the domain, he said.
The board would also be working with a new city councillor, in Andrew Whiley, replacing former Cr Weatherall, who used to take a seat on the board.
Mr Weatherall - also a St John paramedic and president of the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club - said he was excited by the challenge of a new role as the board's chairman.
''I think I've got something to offer in that role.''
