Councillor Tiana Myers has today announced her resignation as a Ward 3 Councillor for Wollongong City Council.
Her resignation is effective immediately. Cr Myers was elected to Council in 2024 with a focus on advocating for the residents of Ward 3, building fair and inclusive communities.
"This has been an incredibly difficult decision and not one I've made lightly,'' she said.
"After careful reflection, and following medical advice, I have made the difficult decision to resign as a Ward 3 Councillor.
"Serving our community has been a great honour, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent the residents of Wollongong, especially Ward 3.''
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown acknowledged the enthusiasm demonstrated by Cr Myers during her time as a Councillor.
"Tiana has been a strong advocate for the community, especially on issues connected to the Ward 3 community. I thank her for her time, passion, and integrity,'' Cr Brown said.
"Over the past 18 months she has made a valuable contribution to Council and to improving the lives of those who live in Wollongong. She will be missed in the chamber.''
As a Councillor, Ms Myers filled positions on the West Dapto Review Committee, Southern Area Floodplain Risk Management Committee (Chairperson), Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Plan Implementation Group and the Walking, Cycling and Mobility Reference Group.
Cr Myers' position will be filled through a countback election.
A countback allows a Councillor vacancy to be filled using a recount of the ballot papers from the last ordinary election. This is done instead of requiring the residents to vote again and avoids the cost to the community of conducting a by-election.
We are able to take this step because at the extraordinary meeting of Council on 14 October 2024 (the first meeting following the 2024 ordinary local government elections) there was a Council resolution to fill any casual vacancy occurring within 18 months of the election by countback.
Council has notified the NSW Electoral Commission of the vacancy and the Commission will start preparation for the countback process. This will include contacting all the unelected candidates who stood in Ward 3 during the September 2024 Local Government Elections to inform them of the vacancy. They will then have the opportunity to submit an application to participate in the countback.
Full statement from Councillor Tiana Myers:
"After careful reflection, and following medical advice, I have made the difficult decision to resign as a Ward 3 Councillor.
This has been an incredibly difficult decision and not one I've made lightly.
Over the past months I have faced significant health challenges and I have done my best to fulfil my responsibilities to the community. However, after much reflection, and advice from my doctors, I need to prioritise my long-term health and wellbeing.
Serving our community has been a great honour, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent the residents of Wollongong, especially Ward 3.
I have gained tremendous respect for my fellow councillors, Council's dedicated staff and the countless community members I have had the privilege of working alongside.
I am proud of the work we have done, the conversations we have had, and the trust the community placed in me.
Although I am closing this chapter, my commitment to fairness, compassion and community does not end here. I look forward to contributing in new ways at some point in the future and remaining engaged in the work of building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has truly been an honour."
Cr Tiana Myers
