Council election 2020: Dawn Crichlow’s farewell address to councillors after 29 years in office

After 29 years in office it all came down to a memorable farewell address for the ages from Southport’s long-serving councillor. This is the gospel according to Dawn Crichlow.

AND in the end, the lion of Southport roared one final time.

The last meeting of Dawn Crichlow’s 29 years as a councillor was dragging on and after four long hours, everyone was exhausted and ready to leave.

Sure, it wasn't as long as marathon sittings of past decades but from the looks on the faces of the 14 councillors in the room, they were feeling every single minute.

Councillors kept their heads down at yesterday’s meeting. Picture: Jerad Williams

Everyone kept their heads down, checking their phones with those recontesting this month’s election eagerly checking the electoral commission’s website to see the size of the field running against them.

The three retiring city leaders, Cr Crichlow, Gary Baildon and Paul Taylor, were all in a very different place, taking in the chamber one last time.

It was over and out for retiring councillor's Paul Taylor, Dawn Crichlow and Gary Baildon. Picture: Jerad Williams

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The former mayor wore his best suit and favourite tie for the occasion while Cr Taylor was supported from the gallery by his beloved wife Yvonne, his son Darren who is contesting his father’s vacant seat and long-serving secretary Penny.

Final Gold Coast City Council meeting before the 2020 election. Retiring councillor Gary Baildon. Picture: Jerad Williams

Cr Baildon who served three terms as mayor gave a short and cheerful speech revelling in his pride at conserving koala land and starting the light rail project in the 1990s.

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Cr Taylor was far more emotional, thanking friends and colleagues and endorsing his son.

As council candidates including Brett Lambert and Bern Young watched on, councillors, excluding the absent Kristyn Boulton, spent hours debating conflicts of interest and the last remaining items of business before adjourning for their date with destiny.

Paul Taylor gave an emotional farewell speech. Picture: Jerad Williams

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For hours Cr Crichlow, normally not shy of words, sat silent through the tense meeting, even saying during a break that she had no intention of giving a speech or saying farewell.

But just before 5pm, the evergreen councillor received a goodbye gift from her ally-turned bitter foe Mayor Tom Tate and decided on the spot to give an impromptu valedictory address.

Final Gold Coast City Council meeting before the 2020 election. Retiring Councillor Dawn Crichlow. Picture: Jerad Williams

Speaking for five minutes and 30 seconds, the Dawn of old returned, filling the room with tales of triumph.

From her 1991 election to the demolition of Southport Mall and founding Monster Machinery Day, it was long on good memories on short on the bitterness and disappointment which she admitted last year was the reason for her retirement.

Drawing laughs and a standing ovation, Cr Crichlow praised the many councillors and staff she had worked with.

There were standing ovations for the three retiring councillors. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I have liked everything I have done, I love the staff,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates asked “Do you love us?”, to which Cr Crichlow shot back “Yes, sometimes”.

But in closing, it was the gospel according to Dawn.

“There are many things you can do by working in with the people,” she said.

Retiring Councillor Dawn Crichlow and Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Jerad Williams

“That’s very important. That’s all I’ve got to say.”

Cr Crichlow finished her speech, picked up her nameplate and presents and exited the chamber without looking back.

Her 29 years at city hall were over but there was no time to waste, it was straight on to the next challenge.

Retiring Councillor Dawn Crichlow heading for the exit. Picture: Jerad Williams