Councillor Greg McAdam has tendered his resignation from Southern Grampians Shire Council due to ongoing ill health.
Councillor McAdam was initially elected to Council in 2016 and was re-elected to serve a second term in 2020.
In a letter to Mayor Councillor David Robertson and CEO Tony Doyle read at last night’s April meeting, Councillor McAdam said “It is with regret that this evening, I wish to tender my resignation as Southern Grampians Shire Councillor, effective immediately”.
“Owing to ongoing ill health, over the last few months, I have found it increasingly more difficult to do the job of Councillor, to the level which I would like, and the people of the Southern Grampians Shire would expect and deserve from their elected representative.
“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors both past and present, for the respect and friendship they have shown me over the last six years. I would also like to thank the Shire staff past and present for the respect they have given me during that time. It has been greatly appreciated.
“To the residents and ratepayers of the Southern Grampians, thank you for twice having had the confidence to elect me to your Council, affording me the opportunity to give something back to my community.
“I have enjoyed my time on Council. I hope I haven’t disappointed.
“I wish my fellow Councillors all wisdom in their future deliberations,” Cr McAdam concluded.
Councillors and CEO Tony Doyle took the opportunity to thank Councillor McAdam for his dedicated service to the Southern Grampians community.
“The whole organisation, internally, has respected you highly as a Councillor.
“We see you as someone who sets very high standards of themselves as a Councillor, delivering for the community. You’ve always shown great respect to officers and great respect to the officers advice, and I cannot tell you how much we value and appreciate that. You will be missed,” Mr Doyle said.
“Greg, this is a sad, a very sad ending. You have the highest integrity. You are honest with everyone. You’re a very level-headed person. You couldn’t be a better representative for the people of the Southern Grampians. HRLX is our biggest asset – we’re getting bigger and better all the time and that is a lot to do with you and your direction.
“You don’t need to leave here thinking, I haven’t done my job here. You’ve done it to the absolute maximum. Thank you for what you’ve done. I have really enjoyed your friendship over your years on Council, thank you for your friendship and for all the years you’ve put into your role at Council.
“I wish Greg, Jan and family all the best,” Cr Robertson said.
Each Councillor paid tribute to Cr McAdam at last night’s Council Meeting following his resignation. A recording of the meeting can be found on Council’s Facebook page.
Councillor McAdam’s resignation creates an extraordinary vacancy in Southern Grampians Shire Council. The Victorian Electoral Commission will now initiate a countback process. Further details will be published on Council’s website as soon as they are available.