Former Mayor steps down from council role

The Glenelg Shire Council is bidding farewell to one of its long serving Councillors.

Cr Anita Rank (pictured) notified council late last month that she was resigning from her position as councillor effective immediately. Her letter stated she would be ‘unable to continue to perform [her] duties as a councillor effective the 30th of June 2023 due to a change in employment status’.

The Portland-based councillor and former schoolteacher was first elected to the chamber in 2012.

During her tenure she was a recognised leader for the community and even made history – becoming the first Glenelg Shire councillor to serve as Mayor for sixth consecutive terms.

She also made history serving as Mayor as part of the first ever all-female Glenelg Shire leadership team in 2021, with Cr Karen Stephens elected to the newly formed Deputy Mayor position. Cr Rank wished the CEO and council all the best in her departure.

“I wish council well as you work towards achieving the Council’s Strategic Plan and delivering on the many amazing opportunities the Shire has to offer,” she said. CEO Paul Phelan thanked Cr Rank for her tireless contributions to the Glenelg Shire throughout her decade of service.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Rank for her dedication to working for all residents of the Glenelg Shire, and the impact her leadership and guidance has made for generations to come,” he said.

“She represented her community with intelligence, care, and passion, and was a strong advocate for regional development and tourism. “Most recently, she helped secure funding for the Portland Foreshore Master Plan and Cape Bridgewater Master Plan, which are some of the biggest projects undertaken by Council in the last decade.

“She was also instrumental in campaigning for upgrades to multiple facilities and was a sound, consistent leader throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “We will miss her and hope that she continues to share her knowledge and leadership.” Councillor Rank’s resignation creates an extraordinary vacancy, and Council has notified the Minister for Local Government and the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) as per the Local Government Act 2020.

The VEC will initiate a process to fill the vacancy. Further details will be published on council’s website as soon as they are available