TWICE elected Councillor Greg McAdam has resigned from the Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) effective immediately, citing ongoing ill health.

Cr McAdam was initially elected in 2016 and re-elected for a second term in 2020.

In a letter read at Wednesday night’s April council meeting, Cr McAdam said it was with regret he tendered his resignation.

He thanked his fellow Councillors, past and present, for the respect and friendship they had shown him during his six-year tenure.

“It has been greatly appreciated,” Cr McAdam said.

“Owing to ongoing ill health, over the last few months, I have found it increasingly more difficult to do the job of Councillor, to the level which I would like, and the people of the Southern Grampians Shire would expect and deserve from their elected representative.”

Cr McAdam has run a farm producing wool, prime lambs and beef cattle at Mooralla over the last five decades, and has had many occupations, including truck driver, plant operator, stockman, shearer, wool classer, group supervisor for New Work Opportunity Scheme, sessional teacher for South West TAFE (fencing and chainsaw operation), and agricultural contractor.

He also served for two years as a National Serviceman for the Royal Australian Engineers, but locally made a remarkable contribution in multiple roles to the community, many at executive or committee level, that preceded his election to Council.

Cr McAdam volunteered with the Country Fire Authority for 50 years, Lions International for 31 years and Cabinet Chair for 10 years, Cavendish Cricket Club for 35 years (life member) and said these roles helped him to serve effectively as a Councillor with SGSC.

“I would also like to thank the Shire staff past and present for the respect they have given me during that time,” he said.

“To the residents and ratepayers of the Southern Grampians, thank you for twice having had the confidence to elect me to your Council, affording me the opportunity to give something back to my community.

“I have enjoyed my time on Council.

“I hope I haven’t disappointed.”

SGSC chief executive, Tony Doyle, and Cr McAdam’s fellow Councillors took the opportunity to thank him for his dedicated service to the Southern Grampians community.

“You will be missed,” Mr Doyle said.

“The whole organisation, internally, has respected you highly as a Councillor.

“We see you as someone who sets very high standards of themselves as a Councillor, delivering for the community.

“You’ve always shown great respect to officers and great respect to the officer’s advice, and I cannot tell you how much we value and appreciate that.”

Mr Doyle paid tribute to Cr McAdam’s dedication to work on the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) Advisory Committee.

“HRLX is our biggest asset - we’re getting bigger and better all the time and that is a lot to do with you and your direction,” he said.

“You don’t need to leave here thinking, I haven’t done my job here. You’ve done it to the absolute maximum. 

“Thank you for what you’ve done.”

Mayor David Robertson joined Mr Doyle in paying tribute to and thanking Cr McAdam for his hard work on Council and dedication to the community.

“Greg, this is a sad, a very sad ending,” he said.

“You have the highest integrity. You are honest with everyone. You’re a very level-headed person. You couldn’t be a better representative for the people of the Southern Grampians.

“I wish Greg, Jan and family all the best.”

Cr McAdam’s resignation created an extraordinary vacancy on the Council, with the Victorian Electoral Commission to now initiate a countback process.

SGSC advised further details will be published on its website as soon as they are available.