VEC nominates Cr Salter successor to Borough

A VICTORIAN Electoral Commission countback at the Borough of Queenscliffe (BOQ) has nominated Isabelle Tolhurst to fill an extraordinary councillor vacancy created by the March resignation and death of Cr Susan Salter.

Ms Tolhurst originally ran as an independent candidate for the borough in October 2020, with a focus on climate change, the arts, retail and toursim sectors and cultural heritage of the region.

In the VEC’s latest count of Cr Salter’s redistributed preferences held on Tuesday morning (April 12), Ms Tolhurst is now provisionally elected to council.

“While I’m honoured to be elected to council, it’s a bittersweet opportunity following the resignation and death of councillor Susan Salter,” Ms Tolhurst said after the countback.

“I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and the community for the rest of this term,” Ms Tolhurst said, thanking Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale residents.

Ms Tolhurst edged out five other candidates in the race; Robert Minty, Jacqui Pierce, Geoffrey Mathews, Amanda Hoysted and Zelda Walters.

“My commiserations go to the unsuccessful candidates, but also my thanks – choosing to stand for election is a reflection of your care for your neighbours and your community,” mayor Ross Ebbels said.

“On behalf of council, I want to congratulate Ms Tolhurst on her election, and look forward to working with her.”