A tearful Helene Cameron reads a statement announcing her resignation from Council The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is understood to be planning a full re-count of the Borough of Queenscliffe’s municipal election votes, following the sudden resignation of freshly re-elected Councillor Helene Cameron.
Our Mayor of two terms was in tears as she announced significant family health concerns precluded her from taking up her position, at this morning’s Declaration of the Poll.
Ms Cameron revealed she had attempted to withdraw from the election race after applications had closed, but was prevented from doing so under VEC guidelines.
She did not advertise or participate further in the campaign process after learning of the health issues but nevertheless drew strong community support, and was received the second most number of votes, behind newcomer Cr Tony Francis.
“I am very humbled to have received such a strong show of support from the community for a third term. It has been very overwhelming for me.
“It has been a privilege to have represented this community as a Councillor and an honour to have lead this council as your Mayor for the past four years,” she said.
“I submitted my nomination for this election with such a high level of motivation, enthusiasm and total commitment to the communities of Point Lonsdale and Queenscliffe.
“After the closure of nominations, during the election period I became aware of a serious health issue in my family. I sought to withdraw my nomination from the election but I was advised by the Victorian Electoral Commission that I could not withdraw from the election at that time.
“So today I have formally tendered my resignation as a Councillor with the Borough of Queenscliffe to attend to attend to my family and these health issues.”
CEO Lenny Jenner thanked Ms Cameron on her three terms of service to the community.
“Helene, your level of commitment to this community has been extraordinary in local organizations, meeting people in the street, at the shop, going to numerous events and representing people in a very genuine and caring way,” said CEO Lenny Jenner. “I thank you on behalf of the staff and, at this point, on behalf of the newly-elected Council I thank you.”
The Rip understands the VEC is planning a full recount of all votes, at the Town Hall on November 21.
Outgoing Councillor Bob Merriman and former Councillor David Kenwood appear to be best-placed to contest the fifth Council position, having finished sixth and seventh in the vote after preferences.
First preference votes:
Our Mayor of two terms was in tears as she announced significant family health concerns precluded her from taking up her position, at this morning’s Declaration of the Poll.
Ms Cameron revealed she had attempted to withdraw from the election race after applications had closed, but was prevented from doing so under VEC guidelines.
She did not advertise or participate further in the campaign process after learning of the health issues but nevertheless drew strong community support, and was received the second most number of votes, behind newcomer Cr Tony Francis.
“I am very humbled to have received such a strong show of support from the community for a third term. It has been very overwhelming for me.
“It has been a privilege to have represented this community as a Councillor and an honour to have lead this council as your Mayor for the past four years,” she said.
“I submitted my nomination for this election with such a high level of motivation, enthusiasm and total commitment to the communities of Point Lonsdale and Queenscliffe.
“After the closure of nominations, during the election period I became aware of a serious health issue in my family. I sought to withdraw my nomination from the election but I was advised by the Victorian Electoral Commission that I could not withdraw from the election at that time.
“So today I have formally tendered my resignation as a Councillor with the Borough of Queenscliffe to attend to attend to my family and these health issues.”
CEO Lenny Jenner thanked Ms Cameron on her three terms of service to the community.
“Helene, your level of commitment to this community has been extraordinary in local organizations, meeting people in the street, at the shop, going to numerous events and representing people in a very genuine and caring way,” said CEO Lenny Jenner. “I thank you on behalf of the staff and, at this point, on behalf of the newly-elected Council I thank you.”
The Rip understands the VEC is planning a full recount of all votes, at the Town Hall on November 21.
Outgoing Councillor Bob Merriman and former Councillor David Kenwood appear to be best-placed to contest the fifth Council position, having finished sixth and seventh in the vote after preferences.
First preference votes:
- Tony Francis 653 (20.17%)
- Helene Cameron 595 (18.38%)
- Boyce Pizzey 486 (15.01%)
- Susan Salter 363 (11.21%)
- Ross Ebbels 248 (7.66%)
- Bob Merriman 224 (6.92%)
- David Kenwood 201 (6.21%)
- Robert Minty 170 (5.25%)
- Stephen McGain 157 (4.85%)
- Peter Russell 121 (3.74%)