Bendigo council mourns Cr Donna Nicholas

Donna Nicholas, the City of Greater Bendigo’s Lockwood Ward councillor, has died.

The late Lockwood South resident and former catering business owner joined the council after the Victorian Electoral Commission’s official by-election results were announced in April.

A joint message of condolence on behalf of the council was released earlier this morning by mayor Cr Thomas Prince and City CEO Andrew Cooney.

“Although she had only been a councillor for a short time, Donna took to the role with great enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to serving her community,” the statement said.

“She was excited to represent the residents of the Lockwood Ward and quickly immersed herself in the responsibilities of Local Government, eager to learn and contribute.

“She was committed to attending community meetings and events, and had a wonderful, natural way of engaging with people that quickly endeared her to fellow councillors, staff and members of the community. She approached every interaction with kindness, authenticity and a genuine interest in others.

“Our thoughts are with Donna’s husband Drew, her son Cody and his partner Ella, and her beloved granddaughter, Stella. Beyond her role on council, Donna was a devoted grandmother and had a passion for her animals and horse riding.

“It was a privilege to know Donna and to welcome her to the City of Greater Bendigo team.

“Although brief, we acknowledge her wholehearted service and contribution to our community, and we are grateful for the care, enthusiasm and dedication she brought to the councillor role.

“May she rest in peace.”

Cr Nicholas nominated for council and ran a grassroots campaign aiming to be involved in the community, to help out, and “vote on things that matter”.

She said she was “passionate about the everyday person…in the Lockwood Ward”.

“To make change, you’ve got to put yourself in a position to be able to do it, and that’s why I did it,” she said in April.

“I put in 100 per cent and so did the people that helped me, including my husband Drew,” she said.

“We worked on it tirelessly. I thought, I will not regret it if I don’t get in because I’ve given it my best, I’ve worked really hard, I’ve stepped right out of my comfort zone, time and time again.

“That’s all I can ask of myself – to do my best and be proud of what I’ve done.”