Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Tuesday, 9 June, 2015. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Cr Michael Polan resigns from GSCC

Michael has been a Councillor with Greater Shepparton since 2009, including undertaking the role of Mayor in 2011 and 2012.

Cr Polan would like to sincerely thank the community and his fellow Councillors for their support over the past six years.

“I am very grateful to the community and Council for the opportunity which has been forward to me over my time as Councillor and Mayor. I’ve greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities to learn and advanced my skills both personally and professionally which have greatly assisted me in serving the Greater Shepparton community”, explains Cr Polan.

“In my time as Councillor of Greater Shepparton I am particularly proud of my involvement in the brave decision to build a new Shepparton Arts Museum (SAM). This decision is a sign of our community maturing and looking at ways to diversifying our economy. Undertaking such bold ventures as a new SAM, demonstrates our desire to be a key regional city with Greater Shepparton providing first-class facilities that will enhance the lifestyle that our region offers”.

“My involvement in supporting the new direction of Greater Shepparton City Council has been particularly satisfying with the organisation now being more accountable and in a strong position to tackle any future challenges. The Council Plan, as crafted by the community, is now the central focus of the organisation in meeting the specific needs of our community.”

“I cannot speak highly enough of the GSCC staff; they undertake their role with professionalism and integrity, with many staff going well beyond their duties to best support Councillors in executing their role and delivering quality services to the community.”

“Being a Councillor is a privilege, and I thank my fellow Councillors in actively working in a positive manner for the betterment of the entire community, and I wish the Greater Shepparton community all the very best in the future”, explains Cr Polan.

Cr Polan will be continuing to fulfil his duties until June 30 which includes participation in the June 16 Ordinary Council Meeting and Special Council Meeting on June 23 in the adoption of the 2015/2016 Budget.

With the vacancy created by Cr Polan’s resignation a count back will need to be undertaken. This process includes:

· Advise the Minister for Local Government of the extraordinary vacancy. This has to be done within 3 working days of becoming aware of the extraordinary vacancy.
· At the same time, Council advises the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) of the extraordinary vacancy.
· Public notice of the conduct of the count back is to be published within 14 days of the extraordinary vacancy occurring (before 23 June).
· The VEC provided written notice to each eligible candidate within 14 days of the extraordinary vacancy occurring.
· The count back will then occur 14 days after the public notice.