Countback process begins after Asher’s resignation

A NEW councillor will be named in the coming months to replace outgoing City of Greater Geelong representative Stephanie Asher, following the shock resignation of the former mayor on Saturday.

Ms Asher’s exit from the Bellarine Ward comes just two months after fellow councillor Kylie Grzybek announced her resignation from Windermere Ward.

“I am confident the council, along with our new CEO, will continue the good work achieved for the community and the Greater Geelong region,” Ms Asher said.

“Reflecting on my 68 months spent as a member of Geelong council, 33 months as mayor, I feel deeply honoured to have served this passionate community and contributed to some significant changes which will help shape the future.”

Cr Asher was Geelong’s second-longest serving mayor, with a term of nearly three years.

“I am indebted to our wonderful community, the city staff and my dedicated councillor colleagues for their support and contribution throughout 2019-22,” Ms Asher said.

“There are many fabulous achievements to celebrate and, having led the city through the pandemic years, I am deeply grateful for the efforts of everyone involved in bringing Geelong through an incredible period of challenge, growth and change.”

Ms Asher cited her work commitments as a director of a Melbourne-based company as a factor in her decision, along with soon moving her home from Ocean Grove to somewhere outside of the Greater Geelong municipality

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said it was an honour and a privilege to work alongside Ms Asher since both were elected to the Bellarine Ward in 2017.

“She has provided great leadership, advocacy, and clear direction during nearly six years of dedicated service to the community.

“As the city’s second-longest serving mayor, Ms Asher steered us through an unprecedented period in the world’s history.

“Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on protecting and creating jobs, supporting sectors of the community hardest hit by the lockdowns, and providing opportunities for residents to improve their physical and mental health.”

According to the 2020 council election results, Corey Wolverton (9.12 per cent) and Tom O’Connor (8.07 per cent) had the next highest shares of first preference votes in Bellarine Ward.

Mr O’Connor said he was hopeful of taking up Ms Asher’s seat in a countback.

“It can’t come quick enough, I would love to get back onto council, my heart’s in the Bellarine, I’ve been here for 50 years, I’m not going away.”

Mr O’Connor previously served on the City of Greater Geelong council from 2004-2008 in the Coryule Ward.

The Victorian Electoral Commission stated it would announce the date of a countback shortly.