Former mayor Stephanie Asher has resigned from her role as City of Greater Geelong councillor citing work commitments and a pending relocation as reasons for the decision.
Cr Asher was the city’s second-longest serving mayor and has served as a councillor for more than five-and-a-half years.
Cr Asher said her role was “no longer sustainable”.
“While I have greatly enjoyed managing my council duties alongside work, family and caring commitments to date, this is no longer sustainable, given my current work obligations as a Melbourne-based project director,” she said.
“I will also soon be moving out of the Geelong municipality.
The Victorian Electoral Commission will conduct a process to elect a new councillor in the Bellarine Ward.
“Reflecting on my 68 months spent as a member of Geelong council, 33 months as mayor, I feel deeply honoured to have served this passionate community and contributed to some significant changes which will help shape the future,” Cr Asher said.
“As the second-longest serving mayor of Greater Geelong, my nearly three years in the leadership role were extremely positive and I am indebted to our wonderful community, the City staff and my dedicated councillor colleagues for their support and contribution throughout 2019-22.”
Current mayor Trent Sullivan said Cr Asher provided “great leadership, advocacy, and clear direction during nearly six years of dedicated service to the community”.
“Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on protecting and creating jobs, supporting sectors of the community hardest hit by the lockdowns, and providing opportunities for residents to improve their physical and mental health,” he said.
“Her time as mayor also saw council commit to record levels of capital investment, which is delivering major infrastructure improvements in all corners of Greater Geelong.
“I was fortunate enough to serve as deputy mayor to Ms Asher, and her skilled guidance and advice gave me a great grounding for when the leadership opportunity arose in 2022.”
