It follows the announcement of Mr McMullan’s intention to step down, citing the Council no longer providing hybrid meeting options and juggling family life with two young children as prominent factors in his decision.
Dr Abernethy is a resident of Ormiston and grew up in East Belfast. In his professional life, he has worked with the Corrymeela Community and spent five years developing education programmes with WAVE Trauma Centre. Hedley also spent five years in the United States, where he was awarded a master’s degree in Conflict Transformation and worked in humanitarian aid, before returning to Belfast.
Dr Abernethy has said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank Ross for his five years on Council, particularly for his extensive work in the crucial area of disability awareness and improving accessibility for people with disabilities in the city.
“My background in the voluntary and community sector has given me significant insight into the issues that impact local communities every day, and I want to ensure the voices of the people in these sectors are heard at Council level.
“I’m really looking forward to hitting the ground running, and am committed to carrying on Ross’s work representing the people of Ormiston and working as part of Alliance’s Belfast City Council team.”
Mr McMullan added: “Serving as an Ormiston councillor for the past five years has been an honour, and it is with immense regret that I must step down. Hedley is a great replacement and will be a devoted representative for the people of Ormiston. I would like to wish him the very best in his new role.”