Jessica Cosgrove resigns as Derwent Valley Councillor

Jessica Cosgrove formally announced her resignation from the Derwent Valley Council on Monday night.

A lifelong valley resident, she was first elected to the Derwent Valley Council in 2018, serving as deputy mayor and then acting mayor in 2021-2022 following the resignation of Ben Shaw.  
Ms Cosgrove said she had mixed feelings about resigning.
"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.

“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.

“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.
"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.”