Isabelle Tolhurst has been elected as the newest councillor for the Borough of Queenscliffe, after the Victorian Electoral Commission held a virtual countback last week.
The five-person Borough council had a vacancy following the resignation and death of long-serving councillor and former mayor Susan Salter in March.
In an online presentation broadcast at the Queenscliff Town Hall on Tuesday, April 12, the VEC confirmed the redistribution of Cr Salter’s preferences from the 2020 election would see Ms Tolhurst provisionally elected.
Ms Tolhurst will have to be sworn in by the council before officially becoming a councillor.
She expressed her gratitude at receiving the opportunity to help shape the future of the Borough.
“While I’m honoured to be elected to council, it’s a bittersweet opportunity following the resignation and death of councillor Susan Salter. I want to acknowledge Cr Salter’s work in our community,” Ms Tolhurst said.
“Thank you to the residents of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale for their support, and I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and the community for the rest of this term.”
Mayor Ross Ebbels welcomed Ms Tolhurst as the Borough’s newest councillor.
“On behalf of council, I want to congratulate Ms Tolhurst on her election, and look forward to working with her,” he said.
“My commiserations go to the unsuccessful candidates, but also my thanks – choosing to stand for election is a reflection of your care for your neighbours and your community.”
Ms Tolhurst had received 10.7 per cent of primary votes at the 2020 election and had fallen 16 votes short of being elected once preferences were distributed.
