*Updated: 23rd October, 2023
*Breaking News* a second councillor resignation confirmed at Glenelg Shire.
Cr Chrissy Hawker tendered her resignation on Friday, effective immediately. She was in her second term on the Council.
Original story:
It’s been a week of turmoil at Glenelg Shire Council.
Another councillor resignation, the second for this term, has been followed by the announcement that the council’s CEO will leave his position in January.
Jayden Smith, who was elected in 2020 and became the shire’s youngest ever councillor at age 25, has stepped down with immediate effect this week.
Arrangements to fill the extraordinary vacancy are yet to be advised.
Mr Smith’s resignation follows that of long term councillor and former six term mayor Anita Rank in July. Her position was filled by John Northcott through a countback procedure in August.
In a further surprise development, the council announced on Friday that it had accepted the resignation of CEO Paul Phelan at a special council meeting earlier in the day.
In a statement, the council said Mr Phelan’s resignation was for personal reasons.
Mr Phelan was appointed in January this year.
The Warrnambool Standard has reported on what it describes as an ‘exodus’ with suggestions that major behavioural issues have factored into the resignation decisions.
Mr Smith has publicly said that behaviour and ideals within the councillor group did not align with his values… that council cohesion had been disrupted, and he no longer wished to be in such an environment.
He said it was not end of his career as a councillor or in politics, just a pause for now.
The Standard says the state government is concerned about the developments, and suggests a municipal monitor could be appointed. There are also suggestions that another councillor departure could be imminent.