Councillor Lucinda Congreve of Grasslands Ward in Brimbank has resigned from office in order to better balance her obligations as a mum with young children as well as her fulltime work commitments.
The Councillor was elected to Brimbank Council in 2016, and her time in office includes a term as Mayor from November 2018 to November 2019. Her resignation was effective 1 March 2020.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said she understands and supports Cr Congreve's decision.
'Family always comes first and I understand Lucinda needs more time for her young family.
'I'd like to thank Lucinda for the contribution she's made to our city as a Brimbank Councillor. Her dedication and commitment, in particular her work as Mayor is recognised and highly appreciated.
'On behalf of Brimbank Council I wish her all the best for the future,' Cr Papafotiou said.
Cr Congreve said she had loved her time being a Councillor representing the Grasslands Ward and the broader Brimbank community, particularly her 12 months as the Mayor.
'It's been a difficult decision to resign from Council but since returning to work full time this January I have found balancing my family responsibilities with my Council duties increasingly challenging.
'My original motivation for standing was to represent and advocate for additional services and support for families, to make sure that we were supporting families to thrive and I'm proud of my work in delivering additional supports, such as more lactation consultants, accelerated parks and playground programs and as the mayor advocating for Brimbank at the highest levels of both State and Federal Government.
'I'm also proud to have helped lead a successful advocacy campaign surrounding the removal of level crossings in Deer Park and West Sunshine, something the community will benefit from for many years to come.
'I'm sad about my decision to resign but my kids are young and they need their mum and I need them. I also need to meet my obligations as an employee – a balancing act, I know many families in Brimbank will understand,' she said.
Council has informed the Minister for Local Government and the Victorian Electoral Commission of Cr Congreve's resignation. Under the Local Government Act 1989, the vacant Councillor position can be filled after a count back is conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission.
