Isabelle Tolhurst has been elected as the newest member of the Borough of Queenscliffe Council after the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) held a virtual countback on Tuesday morning.
The vacancy on the Borough’s five-person Council occurred following the resignation and death of Cr Susan Salter. In an online presentation which Council broadcast in the Queenscliff Town Hall, the VEC confirmed the redistribution of Cr Salter’s preferences would see Ms Tolhurst provisionally elected to Council. As the successful candidate, the VEC will now confirm Ms Tolhurst’s eligibility for the role before she is invested in a ceremony held by the Borough of Queenscliffe.
Ms Tolhurst expressed her gratitude at receiving the opportunity to help shape the future of the Borough. “While I’m honoured to be elected to Council, it’s a bittersweet opportunity following the resignation and death of Councillor Susan Salter. I want to acknowledge Cr Salter’s work in our community,” Ms Tolhurst said. “Thank you to the residents of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale for their support, and I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors and the community for the rest of this term.”
Mayor Ross Ebbels welcomed Ms Tolhurst as the Borough’s newest Councillor. “On behalf of Council, I want to congratulate Ms Tolhurst on her election, and look forward to working with her,” Mayor Ebbels said. “My commiserations go to the unsuccessful candidates, but also my thanks – choosing to stand for election is a reflection of your care for your neighbours and your community.”
More information about the countback procedure is available on the VEC website at .
