Former Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis steps away from Council despite election win

Former Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis has announced today that she will not take the oath of office as a councillor for the new four year term, bringing an end to her nearly five years in local government.

Despite receiving enough support from voters to secure another term, the former mayor has stated changing personal and professional priorities have led her to reconsider how she can best contribute to the community.

Ms Dracoulis stated "I originally stood for re-election believing I still had more to offer, but I've realised local government is no longer where my time and energy are best spent."

In reflecting on her time as mayor, Ms Dracoulis said "I'm proud of several achievements, including supporting an independent review of council and pushing for its findings to be made public and being upfront about the organisation's financial difficulties and challenges." 

Ms Dracoulis also said she was proud to have advocated for greater transparency in Council decision making, including pushing for council workshops to be open to the public, although she acknowledged there had not been sufficient support among fellow councillors for the proposal.

"I also championed investment in our region, and seeing developments like the new Coles coming to New Norfolk is something I’m really pleased about" Ms Dracoulis said.

While also acknowledging that not every decision made had been popular and that there were things she would approach differently Michelle also said "I made the decisions I believed were right at the time, and gave the job everything I had."

The former Mayor also spoke about the personal toll of serving in local government, describing the hostility and abuse she experienced as exhausting.

"There were occasions when I genuinely felt unsafe, and no-one should have to endure such treatment while serving their community." 

"There are some bloody good people working at Council and I'm disappointed that Sarah Lowe, Justin Derksen and Phil Bingley weren't re-elected, as I valued their contributions and the opportunity to work alongside them."

Despite leaving office Michelle has stated she is not walking away from public life or her commitment to the Derwent Valley and Tasmania.

Michelle now has intentions of focussing more on her interests within archeology, heritage, arts and culture and conservation.

"Conservation, heritage, archaeology, arts and culture are things I’ve been interested in for most of my life. I’m now getting opportunities to work with extraordinary people, build on my skills and experience, and contribute to projects that genuinely excite me" she said.

"Stepping away from council will give me greater freedom to speak openly about issues I feel strongly about without the restriction and responsibilities associated with being an elected representative.

"I don't need to be an elected representative to make a difference." 

While the decision marks the end of Dracoulis' formal involvement with the Derwent Valley Council it's one she's "happy with".

 "To everyone who backed me, encouraged me or offered a kind word along the way, thank you".

The departure of Dracoulis leaves the incoming council without a councillor with 5 years experience which also represents a significant change as the new term gets underway. 

An election recount will distribute preferences from Dracoulis to decide who takes the now vacant seat.