Lismore City Mayor Isaac Smith has announced his retirement after more than 12 years serving on Lismore City Council.
Cr Smith said he was leaving to focus on his career within the non-government sector. His retirement from Lismore City Council will be effective from 1 February 2021.
"Just prior to COVID-19, I was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of a local NGO, which is a very time-consuming and demanding role. I accepted the position as I had planned to retire at the now postponed local government elections in mid-2020," Mayor Smith said.
"With elections now delayed until September next year due to the pandemic, I think it's in the best interests of our community that someone else takes up the role of Mayor who can give it the attention it needs and deserves."
Councillor Smith was first elected to Council in 2008 and was voted in as Lismore's Mayor in 2016.
"I have greatly enjoyed serving as a Councillor and in particular as Mayor. It was a term peppered with challenges following flood, drought, fire and pandemic, but I have always been humbled by the support I have received, and I would like to thank the community for that," he said.
Deputy Mayor Neil Marks will be acting Mayor until Councillors meet on 9 February 2021 to elect an interim Mayor.
"I would like to thank my fellow Councillors, Council staff and the current executive team who have transformed the organisation, making it ready for the next 20 years," Cr Smith said.
"The last 12 months have been particularly tough for all Councillors and the community. But we have always rallied together, and just as we will recover from last week's flash flooding, we have emerged stronger and more determined to make Lismore an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
"Both I and my fellow Councillors have had to make many tough and at times controversial decisions over the last year, but they were always made in the best interests of our community.
"The result of those decisions is that this year we have posted a significant financial turnaround. This means we are now in the position where we, as a community, can control our own destiny.
"As a born and bred local, I love our wonderful community and I see a great future ahead for our city and its villages. I leave satisfied that I have left Lismore City Council better than I found it and I have complete confidence in the Councillors and staff for the coming year."
Image: Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith has announced his retirement.
