Updated 5:55 pm
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillor Ken Halstead OAM has tendered his resignation to council.
He resigned from council at the Extraordinary Meeting on March 9, 2021.
"It's with great regret in some respects that I hereby tender my resignation to Wingecarribee Shire Council effective immediately," he said.
Mayor Gair said he accepted the resignation and that he could see that Cr Halstead had given it a great deal of thought.
"You leave with a legacy that you can be extremely proud of," he said.
"I think as you have tended that and as a matter of urgency, I would like the council to acknowledge your resignation and give thanks.
"May you enjoy your retirement out of the council and enjoy yourself."
Councillor Garry Turland gave thanks to Cr Halstead.
"I would like to say that you've been a fantastic mentor for the time that I have been with you as a councillor," he said.
"Your experience and education are at the top level. As a mentor, I must thank you for all the times you have been here for me and have provided information to councillors and the staff.
"All I can say is, it's a sad day but its also a day where you are coming out on top. Thank you for being a good friend."
Councillor Grahame McLaughlin said it came as a bit of a surprise.
"I can understand the feeling for Cr Halstead to tender his resignation," he said.
"Cr Halstead was the mayor for the first two years in this term and he played a very straight bat. He didn't play numbers and he was a good man.
"I wish him well and I'm sorry that it's got to happen under these circumstances because I think the community owes you a debt for your commitment.
"I wish you all the best councillor."
Councillor Larry Whipper said he also shocked by Cr Halstead's resignation.
"I would like to wish Cr Halstead all the best and thank him for all those years, not only as an elected representative but as a staff member," he said.
"His breadth and depth of knowledge of the Local Government Act have been an asset for the whole council.
"Ken says it like it is, how he thinks it is and I admire that. If we've learnt anything from Ken, it's that we need to dig our heels in and fight for what we believe in."
Councillor Peter Nelson said that he was surprised and did not expect Cr Halstead's resignation.
"You've served this council as mayor on a number of occasions," he said.
"You received an award for your service to engineering, having worked here as an engineer and planner before becoming a councillor.
"It's certainly a distinguished career. You're going out on a high and I wish you all the best."
Councillor Ian Scandrett thanked Cr Halstead for his service.
Councillor Grahame Andrews said he and Cr Halstead had gone back many years through their involvement in sport.
"I wish him well and congratulate him," he said.
Did you know the Southern Highland News is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.