Councillor Natalie Curtis has publicly announced her intention to resign as an elected councillor of Central Highlands Regional Council, effective 31 March, 2023.
Cr Curtis was elected to council in 2020 and will have served three years of the current four-year term.
In her resignation letter, Cr Curtis said she was honoured to have served the Central Highlands.
“It was my desire to be a part of the future decision-making for my home community of Capella and the Central Highlands that motivated me to become a councillor in March 2020,” she said.
“While my passion for the community remains, I plan to permanently relocate out of the region after March to focus on other pursuits.
“It has been my honour to serve the Central Highlands community, and I wish my fellow councillors well whilst they continue developing the best region they can over the remaining 12 months of the term.”
As Cr Curtis’ resignation takes effect in the final 12 months of the current electoral term, councillors must now appoint an eligible person to fill the temporary vacancy, until the next general council election in March 2024, as is required under the relevant legislation. Council has until the end of May to fill the vacant council position.
Mayor Kerry Hayes thanked Cr Curtis on behalf of council for her contribution to the community.
“Cr Curtis is an active member in the community and has represented council ably and I thank her for her contribution, her willingness to serve and for her positive spirit,” he said.
There will be a public nomination process for the councillor position and councillors will consider requirements for appointing to the vacancy at their next council general meeting. Announcements regarding the nomination and appointment processes will follow.
