Mayor Glen Rowlands has announced his retirement from the District Council of Yankalilla, apologising for springing the surprise.

Before closing the 18 May meeting of the council, he advised his fellow councillors that he will retire as Mayor at the end of the June meeting, but will remain on council.

Mayor Rowlands says he makes this decision as part of a succession process that he has practiced in previous business roles.

“My retirement is not about health; it is about attempting to having continuity from one council to another while following the road that my fellow councillors and I have laid over the last seven years. 

“Now is the perfect time for a leadership change as we have set a strong direction for council through our 2030 Strategic Plan; it also allows continuity with the opportunity for another Elected Member to gain experience as Mayor before the November 2022 council election”.

“A part of the role of the mayor requires keeping our community connected to the Local Government Association, state and federal governments and with our neighbouring councils 

“In the last 12 months I feel I have let some of these connections go; my energy and capacity is waning”.

After he steps down Mayor Rowlands will take extended leave over July and August but will see out the council term.

Deputy Mayor Simon Rothwell has thanked the mayor for his hard work and dedication. 

“His passion and commitment to the role and community has been commendable.” 

Mayor Rowlands has paid tribute to council staff, saying he had a lot learn when he started his role as Mayor in November 2014.

“My journey would not have achieved as much as it has without the staff doing what they do, their dedication, passion and willingness has been awesome. 

“For a small council to have the quality reputation Yankalilla has with its peers is a credit to the staff, we punch way above our weight. I hear so many positive comments about what we all do, and the professional way in which staff conduct themselves”.

At the end of the June council meeting Mayor Rowlands will vacate the chair and a new Principal Member (Mayor) will be chosen by the elected members.