Rod Campbell returns

Update

EPPALOCK ward councillor Rod Campbell has made his first public appearance since going on sick leave more than a year ago.Cr Campbell and his wife Alison joined senior City of Greater Bendigo figures as he returned back into the council fold.“I am feeling elated. It is an absolute joy to be back here,” he said.“I (have) been looking forward to this for a long time now and I am absolutely overjoyed.”Bendigo mayor Alec Sandner and North West Plains councillor Bruce Phillips joined acting CoGB chief Prue Mansfield to welcome Cr Campbell back to council.Cr Sander described the return as “moving” and said he looked forward to the council having its nine elected representatives again.Cr Campbell had been on sick leave since December 1, 2010, after a relapse of the rare Guillain-Barre syndrome.“I think it has been a tough year, there is no doubting that,” he said.“I think it has given me a deeper insight into disabled people’s problems and I am much better for that.”For full details, see tomorrow’s Bendigo Advertiser.

Editorial: Councillor's determination a lesson for all

Earlier

EPPALOCK ward councillor Rod Campbell will return to civic duties after more than a year of sick leave.City of Greater Bendigo mayor Alec Sandner will officially welcome Cr Campbell back into the fold today.Cr Campbell, in a statement, said he looked forward to resuming duties.“I am delighted at the prospect of returning to full participation in council matters,” he said. “I will do my utmost as a councillor to represent residents from the Eppalock ward and indeed the whole of the city. “I plan to make myself available to ratepayers to discuss any issues that are of concern to them.”Cr Campbell had been on sick leave since December 1, 2010, after a relapse of the rare Guillain-Barre syndrome.He was hospitalised in Melbourne as he battled the syndrome, which has a two per cent chance of reoccurrence.Cr Campbell was first diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, which affects the peripheral nerves and in severe cases the respiratory muscles, after being elected to council in 2008.He has listened to council meetings that Phoenix FM has broadcast since the middle of last year.Cr Sandner said Eppalock’s representative would balance council duties with his rehabilitation.“Cr Campbell is continuing to recover and will be returning in a wheelchair with the support of his wife Alison,” he said. “He does not have use of his hands or legs and has limited movement of his arms.” Cr Campbell paid tribute to his wife for her support.“I am very fortunate that my wife Alison is able to support me in this return and that fellow councillors accept her to provide assistance for me during meetings as well as transport,” he said.Golden Square ward councillor Rod Fyffe said he was thrilled to welcome Cr Campbell back to the council chamber.“He has maintained his interest in council and it will be great to have him back around the table and having an input into council discussions,” he said.“It is fantastic news and a great start to the year.”Eaglehawk ward councillor Peter Cox said Cr Campbell was making a timely return.“It is excellent news for himself and for the ratepayers of the Eppalock ward,” he said.