A City of Onkaparinga councillor has revealed he is facing a cancer battle.

Mid Coast Ward councillor Beau Cowan shared on his Facebook page on 9 May that cancerous growths were discovered on his thyroid gland towards the end of 2019. He says he had major surgery in January and a full thyroidectomy in February, however, further cancerous cells were unfortunately discovered in his lymph nodes.

According to the post, he is undergoing treatment for hypothyroidism and will soon be starting radio iodine treatment. 

“This is difficult for me to share but I feel it is necessary to be honest with the people of Onkaparinga, who I am elected to serve,” Cr Cowan writes.

He apologised that his attendance at council meetings and availability to residents has been sporadic during this time and, “will likely continue [to be] so over the next few months”.

He thanked City of Onkaparinga mayor Erin Thompson and his fellow ward councillor Bill Jamieson for their support in picking up some of his workload during this period. 

“While my availability has not always been consistent, I still endeavour to action all emails and I encourage you to contact me at [email protected],” Cr Cowan’s post reads.

“I am sincerely grateful for your support and understanding during this difficult period, and I look forward to returning at full health.”

The Facebook post attracted more than 60 likes and dozens of comments from well wishers, including Chris Picton MP, who wrote: “Sorry to hear this and all the best for your treatment Beau”.

Mayor Erin Thompson says: “We were saddened to learn of Beau’s illness and we wish him all the best for his treatment and recovery."

“While he’s understandably taken time off recently, Beau’s passion for his community hasn’t wavered and he’s looking forward to returning to full health in time.”

Cr Cowan was one of the council’s new recruits sworn in on 20 November, 2018. He sought and was granted a leave of absence from council in late 2019 but has not applied for one in 2020. Onkaparinga councillors are currently attending meetings electronically, in line with COVID-19 protocols.

The Mid Coast ward covers the suburbs of Lonsdale, Reynella, O'Sullivan Beach, Christie Downs, Christies Beach, Noarlunga Downs, Port Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga South and Seaford Meadows.

Cr Cowan regularly shares council and community information on his Facebook page.