By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM Council has been rocked by the resignation of its most senior members, five-time Mayor Shane Bourke.
Councillor Bourke cited differences of opinion with recent decisions made by his colleagues for his resignation.
“Over the past few months there have been some council decisions that have arisen which have prompted me to re-consider my position on council,” Cr Bourke said.
“While I am supportive of the decision-making process in general and the views of others, I have been left questioning whether I am still able to make a positive difference for the wider community.”
The shock resignation, which took effect on 1 October, one day after Cr Bourke told his colleagues about his decision, has cast question marks over the current state and future of Wyndham Council.
A council spokesperson said a recount in Cr Bourke’s Chaffey Ward would now take place as soon as possible to see who will replace him.
Cr Bourke received the highest percentage of first preference votes, 23 per cent of the total, in his ward.
The recount is expected to take around three weeks and former Mayor Kim McAliney may fill the vacancy according to first preference votes.
Ms McAliney told Star she would have to consider any possibility of returning very seriously.
It also means that next month’s Mayoral election could be thrown into turmoil.
One councillor, who did not want to be named, told Star that Cr Bourke’s resignation could mean that a less likely candidate for the role of Mayor would be elected.
Cr Bourke, who was first elected on Saturday 6 August 1988, said he had thoroughly enjoyed his years on the council.
“I have had the honour of serving the Wyndham community as a councillor for 17 years, over a 25 year period and I have loved every moment,” he said.
“The relationships I have formed with fellow councillors over my 25 years, staff and members of the community have been life-long and I will treasure them always.”
Wyndham Mayor Heather Marcus said that the municipality had lost a great councillor.
“This is an incredibly sad day, not just for this council but the entire city. Cr Shane Bourke has provided outstanding leadership for the Wyndham community and we will miss him greatly,” Cr Marcus said.
“Having served as Mayor on five occasions, Shane’s time and energy for his work on council has been extraordinary. Shane has put his heart and soul into serving his community and we thank him, and his wonderful family on behalf of all residents.”
Cr Bourke told Star he would continue his work as a civil marriage/funeral celebrant after leaving the council.
