The resignation of an independent councillor in the City of Greater Geelong in Windermere Ward in the City of Greater Geelong means that Socialist Alliance (SA) will likely gain another councillor in Victoria if the count back proceeds in line with Victorian Electoral Commission past practice.
Sarah Hathway, the Socialist Alliance candidate for Windermere in the 2020 council elections, received the next highest vote (15.81%) after retiring Councillor Kylie Grzybek.
Hathway told Green Left she is ready to commit to the role. “I will be only too happy to work with the people of Windermere for the rest of the council term.
“I am committed to continue campaigning against council’s proposed budget cuts: my platform from 2020 is still totally relevant.
“We said then we wanted a council that provides services, opposes cuts and outsourcing. We said then we would commit to campaigning for more support and funding from state and federal governments.”
Hathway said she was “inspired and impressed” with the community mobilisation against the proposed library cuts and the loss of 19 jobs in the Community Life Directorate.
“Windermere has many vulnerable people, who are already struggling with cost-of-living rises and to lose more jobs and services is so wrong.”
Hathway, who has been at the anti-cuts protests at council, said she would continue to support the fight back. She said Geelong has a lot to look forward to, including a boost to local jobs as part of helping host the Commonwealth Games.
Hathway also wants to make community meetings in Windermere Ward a “top priority” so “we can start setting campaign priorities for the Northern suburbs”.