Donna Gates: ‘I’m not leaving, I’m staying’
Donna Gates has delivered an emotional message to colleagues as she prepares to vacate the Deputy Mayor role. Read what she said.
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An emotional Donna Gates, on the cusp of standing down as Deputy Mayor, has given her biggest sign yet she will continue to be a force in local politics.
Ms Gates was surprised when colleagues at a full council meeting on Tuesday made a special presentation for her more than decade-long service as Deputy Mayor.
Before being presented with a certificate of appreciation, flowers and bottle of champagne, Mayor Tom Tate reaffirmed the strong backing Ms Gates had from colleagues.
Ms Gates later told colleagues: “It has just been the most amazing time for me. I just want to say thank you for the opportunity.
“It’s been 13 years that have gone in a flash. Today makes me feel like I’m leaving, and I’m not.
“I’m actually staying. I think I’m really excited about the future of our city. I really look forward to be actively involved as long as I have community support. For me it’s always been about community.”
Ms Gates said she hoped residents realised she was grateful to learn about areas other than her northern division.
“I’m a little emotional today, thank you,” she said.
Councillor Mark Hammel, who will become Deputy Mayor next month, seconded the motion of appreciation by the Mayor. All councillors stood and applauded Ms Gates.
Some councillors this month had supported Ms Gates remaining Deputy until the end of the year after she led the city response to the impact of now ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, when the mayor was overseas after heading to Las Vegas for the NRL round extravaganza.
Bulletin polling showed residents appreciated her advocacy.
Mr Tate told councillors: “I had my office discreetly ask each councillor to give a one-
word description of their view of Cr Gates.
“I told them their description could remain anonymous, but in
true Team Gold Coast style, no one asked for anonymity.
“Here’s a few one word responses – loyal, tenacious, strategic, passionate, strength, inspirational. Purposeful, invaluable, dedicated, unwavering, indomitable.
“Before entering politics, I always believed that a true test of a person’s leadership is how well the kitchen functions when the chef is away.
“Through the past 14 years, the kitchen here at council has been running very well and a large part of that has been through the loyal guidance of Cr Gates.”
Originally published as Donna Gates: ‘I’m not leaving, I’m staying’
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