Gawler Mayor Karen Redman resigns after serving 10 years in the role citing ‘personal reasons’

An inner regional mayor has made the immediate decision to step down from the role, detailing why she felt unable to continue.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman has stepped down from the role citing “personal reasons” for the resignation. Picture: Colin James

Gawler Council’s longstanding Mayor Karen Redman has resigned after 10 years in the role, effective immediately.

Mrs Redman cited “personal reasons” in her resignation letter read by chief executive Chris Cowley on the council’s Facebook page.

“Unfortunately, due to personal reasons I find myself unable to continue in this role,” Mrs Redman wrote.

“While I’m unable to share the specifics of my position, I assure the decision to resign was not made lightly and it comes after much reflection and consideration.”

Mrs Redman, who has been on leave since March 14, was elected as the council’s first female mayor in 2014.

Chief executive Chris Cowley said he became aware of Mrs Redman’s “thoughts” on the issue of resignation on May 30, three days after council met for its May meeting.

Her resignation was effective the same day and was announced publicly June 4.

Mrs Redman wrote in her letter she was “deeply grateful for the trust and support the people of Gawler have shown me throughout this journey”.

“We have faced many challenges together and celebrated numerous achievements,” she wrote.

“From improving our local infrastructure to fostering a sense of community and belonging, I have ways strived to serve with dedication and integrity.

“The progress we have made is a testament to the strength and resilience of our town and its wonderful community.”

Mrs Redman’s tenure included overseeing the renewal of the Gawler Civic Centre and leading the community through the Pinery bushfire and Covid pandemic.

Her resignation comes after years of infighting with former councillor Ian Tooley.

She was last year forced to publicly apologise to Mr Tooley after she was found to have breached the council’s behavioural standards four times.

Mrs Redman was also at the helm when an external investigation was launched into bullying claims against former chief executive Henry Inat.

The council kept secret the investigation outcomes which cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Mr Cowley said council will engage the South Australian Electoral Commission to conduct a supplementary election to fill the mayor vacancy.

An acting mayor will be formally appointed at the June 24 council meeting.

Originally published as Gawler Mayor Karen Redman resigns after serving 10 years in the role citing ‘personal reasons’