Maroondah Council countback to select new Wyrenna ward councillor set for July 16 after Cr Michael Macdonald’s shock resignation

MAROONDAH residents will find out who their newest councillor is within three weeks with the Victorian Electoral Commission confirming arrangements for a countback.

Maroondah Council will find out its replacement for Cr Michael Macdonald, third from left, in a countback to be held on July 16. Picture: STEVE TANNER

THE newest addition to Maroondah Council will be announced on July 16 following Cr Michael Macdonald’s shock resignation.

The Victorian Electoral Commission has confirmed a countback to determine Cr Macdonald’s replacement will take place at the council’s Braeside Ave offices at 11am.

The five unsuccessful candidates from the 2016 Wyrenna ward election will contest the vacancy.

They are former Maroondah councillors Les Willmott and Liam Fitzgerald, as well as Dean van den Akeer, Anne Patch and Tasa Damante.

COUNCILLOR QUITS TO SUPPORT CHILD

PUSH FOR SHOPPING STRIP SAFETY

Commission spokesman Mike Lagastes said the countback would take about 15 minutes and conducted via a computer application.

Mr Lagastes said the winner of the countback would have 48 hours to accept their position on council.

Cr Macdonald quit the council on Monday to dedicate more time to supporting his newborn son Darcy, who has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

HORSE CLUB SET TO BE SCRATCHED

Michael’s father and fellow councillor, Paul Macdonald, said his son had been “a strong advocate for all community issues” and supported his decision.

“I, like all our family and friends and my fellow councillors, understand and totally support his decision in retiring to support (wife) Laura and young Darcy through the challenges of cystic fibrosis,” he said.

Mayor Nora Lamont said Cr Michael Macdonald would be “greatly missed”. She thanked him on behalf of the other councillors for his contribution to Maroondah and wished him and his family all the best for the future.