Sarah Hayden makes ‘difficult decision’ to step down as Golden Plains Shire mayor

Having taken a period of leave, the mayor of a local council has now formally resigned.

Sarah Hayden has resigned as Golden Plains mayor after just six months.

Golden Plains councillors must elect a new mayor after Sarah Hayden quit, marking more change at a shire rocked by resignations in recent months.

Ms Hayden issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon confirming she would relinquish the mayoral role she was elected to in November, but remain on the seven-member council.

The move comes a week after former mayor Brett Cunningham walked away from council “to prioritise his health and wellbeing”.

The Victorian Electoral Commission has not confirmed when the recount to confirm his replacement will occur.

Ms Hayden, a first-term councillor who defeated Mr Cunningham to become mayor five votes to two, has been on leave since mid-April following reports she had been working remotely while on holiday in Las Vegas – something sanctioned by shire executives.

She said her decision to step down as mayor was “to provide our shire with stability and to support a return to core business”.

Ms Hayden, who had her Parenting Different book published in March, said she was honoured to be elected mayor.

“While I remain passionate about public service, I also recognise the importance of making space for others – especially other women – to step forward and lead without the shadow of controversy or distraction,” she said.

“I do not wish for ongoing attention around my role to deter others from putting up their hand to lead.

“The last month has also taken a significant toll on my health. Against this backdrop, and after deep reflection, l have made the difficult decision to resign from the position of mayor.

“However, I will continue to serve as a councillor for Golden Plains – a community I care deeply about.”

Details are still being finalised as to when a new mayor will be voted in, a council spokesman said.

The position comes with an annual allowance of $109,114.

Rokewood businesswoman Helena Kirby will serve as acting mayor in the interim.

Helena Kirby is acting

Fellow councillor Owen Sharkey did not rule out nominating when contacted on Wednesday, saying he’d “be happy to have the conversation (about becoming mayor)”.

“But it’s a difficult role when you have to juggle work, life and all the rest,” he said.

“We’ve got some experienced councillors in there, so I’m sure those conversations will happen over the next few days.”

Mr Sharkey, elected in 2016, was happy Ms Hayden would remain on council.

“Sadly, Sarah hasn’t been around long enough to see many good things, and sadly over the last six months it’s been far from what her expectations would be,” he said.

“It does take a toll on you, between the social media stuff, and media stuff, it takes a huge toll on you.”

Owen Sharkey in 2020 when he was Golden Plains mayor. Picture: Peter Ristevski.

Once Mr Cunningham is replaced, nine of the 10 candidates who stood for election will have spent time on council.

The Greens’ Gavin Gamble replaced top vote getter Lachlan Glen in January following his resignation due to personal reasons.

Chief executive Shane Walden, appointed in September, departed earlier this year in abrupt circumstances that were never fully explained.

Phil Josipovic stepped in as acting chief who in turn has been replaced by Steven Sagona.

Les Rowe served two four-year terms on Golden Plains council, opting not to seek re-election last year after describing the environment as “toxic”.

Originally published as Sarah Hayden makes ‘difficult decision’ to step down as Golden Plains Shire mayor