Natalie Curtis resigns from Central Highlands Regional Council

A Central Highlands Regional Council councillor has opened up on her decision to walk away after serving three of her four-year term, as the Mayor responds to the surprise move.

Councillor Natalie Curtis.

A Central Highlands Regional Council councillor has publicly announced she is resigning from her position after three years, stating she plans to move out of the region after March.

Councillor Natalie Curtis was elected to the council in March 2020 and will serve her last day on March 31.

Ms Curtis has lived in the Central Highlands for more than 25 years and currently resides in Capella.

In her resignation letter, she said she was honoured to have served the Central Highlands region.

“It was my desire to be a part of the future decision-making for my home community of Capella and the Central Highlands that motivated me to become a councillor,” she said.

“While my passion for the community remains, I plan to permanently relocate out of the region after March to focus on other pursuits.

“It has been my honour to serve the Central Highlands community, and I wish my fellow councillors well while they continue developing the best region they can over the remaining 12 months of the term.”

Mayor Kerry Hayes thanked Ms Curtis on behalf of the council for her contribution to the community.

“Councillor Curtis is an active member in the community and has represented council ably, and I thank her for her contribution, her willingness to serve and for her positive spirit,” he said.

As Ms Curtis’ resignation takes effect in the final 12 months of the current electoral term, councillors must now appoint an eligible person to fill the temporary vacancy until the next general council election in March 2024.

The council has until the end of May to fill the position.

There will be a public nomination process for the councillor position, and councillors will consider requirements for appointing to the vacancy at their next council general meeting.

Originally published as Natalie Curtis resigns from Central Highlands Regional Council