‘Wasn’t due to health reasons’: Controversial Mount Gambier councillor Kate Amoroso resigns

The former model, race-car driver and ice addict left a cryptic message on social media as to why she resigned from her post on Mount Gambier council.

Mount Gambier councillor Kate Amoroso has announced her resignation. Picture: Jessica Ball

A controversial former model, race-car driver and ice addict turned anti-drug campaigner has abruptly resigned from her role as a Mount Gambier councillor.

Kate Amoroso had served as a councillor for more than six years since 2018, but resigned effective immediately, on Tuesday afternoon.

Mount Gambier councillor Kate Amoroso has resigned. Picture: Emma Brasier

After receiving Ms Amoroso’s notice of resignation, Mount Gambier mayor Lynette Martin released a statement.

“We thank her for her contribution to council … and wish her the best for the future,” Ms Martin said.

“Council will not be required to fill the casual vacancy the resignation creates.”

On Wednesday, Ms Amoroso posted a message on social media paired with an image of a pharmacy shelf, confirming her resignation “wasn’t due to health reasons”.

“Lots of questions about my resignation,” she wrote.

“While yes I have constant challenges with my health at the moment, I can tell you my resignation definitely wasn’t due to health reasons.

“How crazy that I can better represent my community without the ‘councillor’ attached to my name.”

In 2020, her position on the council was called into question by Cr Max Bruins after she was absent for three consecutive ordinary meetings.

Earlier in the meeting she had requested a month-long leave of absence via an administrative report which was unanimously denied.

The councillor had provided a personal explanation to all elected members which included a medical certificate.

Ms Martin raised concerns Cr Amoroso’s health was impacting her ability to fulfil her responsibilities to the community.

Ms Martin said it was important the councillor have the chance to explain.

“I am concerned her ill health is preventing her from fulfilling her role,” she said at the time.

Kate Amoroso had been a model, race car driver and ice-addict. Pictured at 21-years-old.

This latest career change for the mother-of-three came after she ran for SA-Best in the 2018 state election.

In 2015, she shared her struggle with ice addiction with The Advertiser.

Six months before telling her story, she was restrained in a hospital bed, certain that nurses were plotting to murder her.

Her addiction took over her life in 2013.

The former part-time model said she was prescribed painkillers and antidepressants after a 2008 work accident, which she believes led her on the path to ice addiction.

Using about $2000 worth of ice a week, Kate said she was like other addicts — using up the trust of family to obtain money for the next hit.

“I would pester family members and say I can’t afford to pay the rent or I need my credit card paid and meanwhile was spending all my money on ice,” said Ms Amoroso in 2015.

Since then, Ms Amoroso had worked to create understanding of issues surrounding the use of ice and its effects on families.

Ms Amoroso was contacted for comment.

Originally published as ‘Wasn’t due to health reasons’: Controversial Mount Gambier councillor Kate Amoroso resigns