FORMER deputy mayor Jessica Cosgrove has tonight announced her resignation from the Derwent Valley Council after nearly eight years as a councillor, including time as acting mayor. Ms Cosgrove, of New Norfolk, said the decision to stand aside was not taken lightly.
“I have formally submitted my resignation to the chief executive officer,” she said in a statement. “Having served just shy of eight years, including as the first female deputy mayor and the first female acting mayor in the history of the Derwent Valley Council, it has been both an honour and a privilege to represent our community.
“This is not how I had envisioned concluding my second term, particularly with only six months remaining before the upcoming election. Throughout the time I have served on council, I have demonstrated my commitment, professionalism and dedication to inclusive leadership. I am proud to have led with credibility, courage and compassion, particularly during times of adversity, including floods, bushfires the coronavirus pandemic and also navigated targeted, personal attacks and manipulative behaviour from others.”
Ms Cosgrove, a mother of three, said she had worked alongside many dedicated and capable councillors and contributed to a range of iniatives such as advocating for aboriginal recognition within the council, supporting local economic growth, tourism and community development, and having the honour of participating in citizenship ceremonies welcoming new Australians to our region.
“I am grateful to have worked alongside many valuable councillors over my time, and I sincerely thank the few currently serving elected members who have supported me – they know who they are. Without inviting speculation, I will simply say that my focus now turns to my family, and to prioritising my health and wellbeing, particularly in an environment where perceptions and political dynamics can at times be challenging.
“I would like to sincerely thank the staff, residents and ratepayers of the Derwent Valley for their support over the years. Representing this community is a responsibility I have never taken lightly. Whilst this chapter has come to a close, I remain deeply passionate about our region and its future. As someone born and raised in the Derwent Valley, with generations of family history here, this community is not just where I served, it’s home.
“Who knows what the future may hold down the track. For now, I will be focusing on my rewarding – and at times challenging – role in the family services sector, continuing to grow my much loved and successful New Norfolk Market business, and most importantly, spending more precious time with my family. Thank you all again, I’m genuinely so grateful for the support over the years.”
Ms Cosgrove was first elected to the Derwent Valley Council in 2018, winning the position of deputy mayor at the same time. She had several stints as acting mayor, including a longer period from December 2021 until February 2022 following the resignation of the then mayor, Ben Shaw.
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4 Responses
No wonder the council is nearly broke. Another 30-grand ratepayer-funded recount. Close to a hundred grand in Code of Conduct complaints. Tens of thousands for an independent review. And let’s not forget the Supreme Court challenge for the unpaid rent fight (what was the outcome, have they paid the hundreds of thousands they owe us, or can’t we ask??) and the rowing club issue. Can we find out how much we have spent on extra costs foisted on the ratepayers because of these issues. Don’t stand if you can’t commit and comply, vote on facts and represent the community instead of self interests.
If you’re genuinely wondering why councillors step down, it’s this kind of constant negativity and armchair commentary that contributes to it.
It’s easy to sit back and criticise, but a lot harder to actually step up, put your name forward, and deal with the scrutiny that comes with the role. Councillors are people with families and jobs. When the discussion turns into personal attacks instead of constructive criticism, it stops being worth it for many of them.
There’s nothing wrong with holding council to account. That’s important. But there’s a difference between asking informed questions and making broad accusations or targeting individuals.
Respect the role, focus on facts, and keep it constructive.
Jonathan, you clearly are not a community member, councillor or ex GM that have been attacked for truth telling. Take the time to read the minutes and listen to council meetings for the last 6 years, identity the patterns of behaviour and voting, do some independent research that is deeper than social media and you might understand where our rates are going.
Leah and Jonathon, without realising it, I suspect you are both on the same side in this debate in some ways, or very close to it, and we should now let this be. I respect you both. Cheers, Damian