Carol McGregor to resign from council

SURF Coast Shire councillor Carol McGregor has announced she is stepping down from local government to fully pursue her psychology and leadership career.

In a statement on her Facebook page, Cr McGregor – whose resignation will take effect on Wednesday, June 12 – said it had been “a complicated journey, with my experience of the role not as I had imagined”.

“Something for everyone to be mindful of – that you don’t really know what it’s like in any job until you try it yourself.”

She said she never missed an opportunity to advocate for the hinterland community to be heard and understood at the council and was proud of all she had achieved in nearly four years as a councillor.

“However, behind the scenes I have struggled over the past couple of years, with significant personal issues and the complex dynamics of passionate councillors with diverse views and priorities impacting on my emotional wellbeing.

“This led me to reconsider my position as a councillor, resulting in the decision to step down from the role.

“I will leave Council with memories of meeting many wonderful people: community members who tirelessly volunteer their time, dedicated staff who have been most helpful and supportive, and my fellow councillors who, despite all we have been through, I still maintain the highest regard for.”

Surf Coast mayor Rose Hodge thanked Cr McGregor for her service to the community.

“Thank you to Cr McGregor for her wonderful service. She has been an outstanding representative for the Winchelsea Ward. Cr McGregor has carried out the role with passion and has been a strong voice for the hinterland community.”

Yesterday (Wednesday, June 6), the Victorian Electoral Commission announced a countback would be held in Torquay on July 2 to fill the extraordinary vacancy in the Winchelsea Ward. The most likely contender is Adrian Schonfelder, who had the third-highest number of first preference votes at the 2016 council election.

Cr McGregor’s resignation comes about a week after the resignation of Libby Coker, who will be officially declared the new Labor member for the federal seat of Corangamite by the Australian Electoral Commission in Colac tomorrow (Friday, June 7).