Casey mayor Janet Halsall has made her farewell speech to the council.By Kelly Yates
Casey mayor Janet Halsall says she has distanced herself from the behaviour of fellow councillors Rob Wilson and Kevin Bradford.
Cr Halsall claims Crs Wilson and Bradford set out to get rid of her and chief executive Mike Tyler during the current council term.
“We’re still here,” a defiant Cr Halsall said during her farewell speech at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
“What you set out to do didn’t work.”
The speech sparked an outburst from a “disappointed” Cr Paul Richardson, who said under Cr Halsall’s leadership it had been the worst run council.
“I stand by my words. You have let us down by not uniting us,” he said.
Springfield Ward councillor Lorraine Wreford defended the mayor, saying she couldn’t believe Cr Richardson’s outburst.
“It’s been a difficult year, but our mayor has held council together through strength and leadership,” she said.
Edrington Ward councillors Mick Morland and Brian Hetherton congratulated Cr Halsall for her commitment to the City of Casey.
“It’s been an honour working alongside you on council,” Cr Morland said.
Councillors Steve Beardon, Wayne Smith and Colin Butler also congratulated the mayor, with Cr Smith saying Cr Richardson’s remarks were not unexpected.
“We could have written it before he said it,” Cr Smith said.
CEO Mike Tyler said Cr Halsall was the first councillor in the history of the City of Casey to hold the position of mayor for two terms.
Cr Halsall thanked the staff at Casey council for their dedication and service.
