Shire mayor stands down

COUNCILLOR Sarah Hayden has stood down from her role as Golden Plains Shire mayor, but will remain serving on the council.

Ms Hayden released a statement via Golden Plains Shire communications staff.

“When l first put my hand up to serve on council, it was because l believed deeply in the strength, potential and future of our community,” she said. “Being elected as mayor was an honour l never took for granted, and l remain incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me.

“While l remain passionate about public service, l also recognise the importance of making space for others – especially other women – to step forward and lead without the shadow of controversy or distraction. I do not wish for ongoing attention around my role to deter others from putting up their hand to lead. The last month has also taken a significant toll on my health.

“Against this backdrop, and after deep reflection, l have made the difficult decision to resign from the position of Mayor. However, l will continue to serve as a councillor for Golden Plains – a community l care deeply about.

“The decision is made with a clear intention: to provide our Shire with stability and to support a return to core business namely delivering for residents, listening to community voices, and focusing on the work that matters most.

“I want to thank my fellow councillors for giving me the opportunity to serve as mayor. I look forward to continuing to serve my community as a councillor, and to supporting a strong and united Golden Plains Shire Council.”

In April, Cr Hayden made a statement to media following the release of an article in the Geelong Advertiser on 12 April 2025 about a family holiday she had in the United States of America.

Cr Hayden had said this article “contained false and misleading information.”

The 12 April article, Vegas outrage grows: Residents slam Mayor’s timing during local mourning was written by Chelsea Bunting and claimed Cr Hayden was “experiencing her own edition of Hollywood hit The Hangover after images she posted of her Las Vegas trip referencing drugs, guns and being ‘whipped by topless girls’…left Golden Plains residents in ‘disbelief’.”

The trip followed the death of a Teesdale child who was hit by a car on March 27. One Teesdale resident said in the article it was inappropriate that the mayor had taken a holiday after the incident, while another claimed she should be free to take a break.

Golden Plains Shire acting chief executive Phil Josipovic was also quoted in the Advertiser article.

“Ms Hayden was able to fulfil her duties from council as there were no formal council meetings scheduled during her absence,” he said.

“She had advised prior to leaving that she could work remotely, and she continues to be able to fulfil her role, including attending internal meetings, managing correspondence and is available to attend as needed, whilst working remotely.”

Councillors were aware she would be working remotely.