Maroondah councillor Michael Macdonald resigns after his newborn son is diagnosed with cystic fybrosis

A MAROONDAH councillor has quit the council to support his newborn son’s health battles - opening the door for a former mayor and veteran councillor to possibly take his place.

Maroondah councillor Michael Macdonald has resigned to dedicate more time towards his newborn son’s health issues. Picture: STEVE TANNER.

MAROONDAH councillor Michael Macdonald has quit the council to dedicate more time to support the health of his newborn son.

And his departure could open the door for a former Maroondah mayor and veteran councillor to return in his place.

Cr Macdonald, who was serving his second term on council, tendered his resignation to chief executive Steve Kozlowski yesterday morning after spending a month weighing up his future.

He first told Maroondah Leader of his situation last month and confirmed his decision to the paper on Friday. He did not attend last night’s June council meeting.

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Cr Macdonald’s first son Darcy was born on March 10 and has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

The councillor said it was in “myself and my family’s best interest” that he steps down.

“I’ve done a lot of reflection and the council role takes a lot of time away from family,” Cr Macdonald said.

“I have enjoyed the time I have had serving the community, but at this time, I want to spend time with my newborn son and support my lovely wife as we go through this journey together.”

Cr Macdonald’s resignation will trigger a countback from the 2016 Wyrenna Ward election results to find his replacement.

Les Willmott, who served as Maroondah mayor four times and spent more than 25 years on the Maroondah and former Croydon councils, will be in the box seat for the position.

Mr Willmott polled the third most votes at the 2016 election, but lost his position on council due to preferences.

Cr Macdonald said he was committed to a handover process with his replacement and assisting the Victorian Electoral Commission with the countback.

He also said he wanted to spend life after council raising awareness for his son’s disease, and encouraged residents to donate and support causes including Cystic Fibrosis Australia.