“Everything must come to an end – and this is my end.”
These were the sentiments of Jacksons Creek ward councillor Jack Ogilvie when last week he announced he was stepping step down from Hume council.
Cr Ogilvie is departing after 26 years as a councillor, having served on the Bulla council when he was first elected in 1999 before the formation of Hume council. He served as mayor twice in that time.
Cr Ogilvie thanked the Sunbury community for its ongoing support, adding that he had enjoyed his time as a councillor.
“The Sunbury community always gave me support,” he said. “I am extremely blessed to have served with so many excellent councillors.”
The local government veteran was paralysed on his left side after he had a stroke last July, but returned to the council in October to continue representing the community he loves.
He was organising a community event when the stroke happened.
Doctors said at the time they were amazed by the initial recovery of Cr Ogilvie, who many years ago beat a cancer that was considered terminal.
Current mayor and Meadow Valley ward councillor Helen Patsikatheodorou also informed colleagues at last week’s council meeting of her decision to depart after eight years.
In the past year, Cr Patsikatheodorou has worn something pink every day to remind men in the community to remind the women in their lives to have breast screens.
Cr Patsikatheodorou said she hoped she had encouraged other women to become leaders.
