Councillors Tessa Halliday and Jen Bray have announced on social media that they will not contest their positions on the Shire Council in the upcoming local government election.
“The past four years have been an incredible learning experience and it has been challenging on so many levels,” said Cr Halliday. “It is the sort of role that you can’t fully understand until you’re in it.” She thanked the people who had supported her over the past four years.
Cr Bray said, “I am both humbled and proud of the four years I have spent serving the community as your representative on Hepburn Shire Council. I have tried to listen to the diverse views, concerns and suggestions of those in the community and bring them to the decision-making table so those voices can be heard and appreciated.” She thanked the community for their support and encouraged anyone with a passion for the wellbeing of the community to consider standing for election.
Former Cr Juliet Simpson resigned suddenly from Council in July and is unlikely to contest a position at the upcoming elections.
The Council election will be held by postal ballot closing at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 25. Voting is compulsory.
The Shire will elect seven councillors at large from the whole of Hepburn Shire, a dramatic change from the former structure in which seven councillors were elected from five wards.
There are currently four nominations for council positions. Cr Brian Hood, Cr Don Henderson and Cr Tim Drylie have nominated for re-election. Pat Hockey of Clunes has also nominated for Council. Cr Hewitt has declared her intention to seek re-election.
Nominations for Council close at noon on Tuesday, September 17. If you are interested in nominating for Council, see the Victorian Electoral Commission website for Information for Candidates.
