Darren Everard announces resignation from council

Former deputy mayor of the Fraser Coast Regional Council Darren Everard calls time on his role.

Darren Everard, councillor of Division 7, which includes Booral and River Heads, has announced he will resign from his role effective from August 9, 2023.

A former deputy mayor of the Fraser Coast Regional Council has called time on his role as a councillor.

Darren Everard, councillor of Division 7, which includes Booral and River Heads, has announced he will resign from his role effective from August 9, 2023.

He announced his resignation at a council meeting on Monday, July 31.

In a statement, Mr Everard said he had been driven by a passion for the Fraser Coast during his time with the council.

“The unwavering desire to serve my community was the driving force for me to run for council in April, 2012, which I have undertaken to the best of my ability,” he said.

Former deputy mayor Darren Everard at the Torquay Caravan Park.

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“While my passion for my community remains, it is time for me to focus on other pursuits and skill sets while remaining a servant to the communities I love.

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“I has been an honour to serve the people of the Fraser Coast and I wish my fellow councillors the very best as they continue to take our region forward and ensuring this remains one of the most desirable places to live, work and play in Queensland.

“My time on council has allowed me the privilege of working with a very supportive and professional team of council officers, past and present, and I acknowledge them and thank them publicly for their support.

“Their counsel, professionalism and dedication to our community during this time has been greatly appreciated.

“It is never easy but they act with such integrity.

“Serving the Fraser Coast community for the past 11 and a half years will remain one of my greatest achievements, however it is time for me to embark on a new chapter in my professional journey.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Mr Everard had been an “enormous asset” during his years as a councillor before moving a motion to accept his resignation.

Councillors sworn in - (L) David Lee, David Lewis, Zane O'Keefe, Jade Wellings, Denis Chapman, George Seymour, Darren Everard, Phil Truscott, Paul Truscott, James Hansen and Daniel Sanderson. Photo: Cody Fox

Mr Seymour said it was sad to lose Mr Everard from the council but he was sure he would move on to do other things in the community.

He said Mr Everard had made a significant contribution to the council and they had worked well together during the time that he was the deputy mayor.

Mr Seymour said the silver lining to losing Mr Everard was that the council would welcome a new person, with people being urged to nominate for the role.

He said it be a great opportunity and a chance for renewal within the council.

“Darren leaves very big shoes to fill, he works very hard,” Mr Seymour said.

Fellow councillor Paul Truscott said he was been taken by surprise by the announcement on Monday morning.

“It came as a genuine shock and surprise this morning, to learn that my colleague and friend, Councillor Darren Everard is resigning from council in just over a week,” he said.

“Darren has always been a kind, positive and fun influence since I arrived in council, and he has always had the community at heart, no doubt about it. Darren puts in a lot of effort at whatever he sets his mind to and I sincerely wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”