Bendigo councillor Rod Campbell has announced he will not contest the next local government election.
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The former mayor cited health concerns as his reason for leaving office after eight years of public service.
Cr Campbell was diagnosed with a life-threatening case of Guillain Barre Syndrome six years ago, an illness that left him unable to stand or to grip with his hands.
Council commitments took as many as 30 hours’ work each week, Cr Campbell said, and while he had enjoyed the position, that amount of time was no longer sustainable.
I have always done my best in the interests of residents, not only for current situations, but particularly for the long term benefit of our city and region
- Rod Campbell, councillor
He said helping individual community members and local organisations were opportunities he relished during his time as a councillor.
“I have had the pleasure of chairing and sitting on numerous committees and many community celebrations of success,” Cr Campbell said.
“I have always done my best in the interests of residents, not only for current situations, but particularly for the long term benefit of our city and region, to ensure that we create a city that not only suits today’s needs, but will serve future generations and also become the most liveable city in regional Australia.
“Council has undertaken a vast amount of capital and renewal works throughout the past eight years and continues to undertake an exceptional amount of vitally important strategic work in relation to issues such as service efficiency reviews and planning for the growth anticipated over the next few decades.”
Cr Campbell offered his best wishes to his colleagues and those candidates successful in October’s election.
He also thanked his wife, Alison, for “substituting for the loss of [his] hands and legs”.
“There is absolutely no doubt that without that support I would not have been able to continue as a councillor.”