Grzybek quits council
Geelong councillor Kylie Grzybek has resigned, and will leave her role at the end of the week.
Ms Grzybek’s resignation comes after the City of Greater Geelong council was heavily criticised for its proposed budget cuts; was investigated by the local government inspectorate; and has been without a permanent chief executive for more than six months.
In an email sent on Monday, Ms Grzybek, who represents the city’s northern suburbs, said she would leave council to focus on her full-time senior executive role at the Transport Accident Commission, and being a wife and mother.
Ms Grzybek, elected to council’s Windermere Ward in 2017, said she would continue to be involved in the community.
“It has been a challenge to juggle the three major competing responsibilities in my life – my professional career, my community responsibilities as an elected councillor and my family life,” Ms Grzybek wrote.
“It has become increasingly challenging and I can no longer undertake all three to my high expectations, and sadly it is my community representation role that I must choose to vacate to return some balance to my life.”
Ms Grzybek, with councillor Anthony Aitken, represents Anakie, Avalon, Balliang, Batesford, Bell Park, Bell Post Hill, Corio, Fyansford, Hamlyn Heights, Lara, Little River, Lovely Banks, Moorabool, Norlane, North Geelong, North Shore, Point Wilson and Staughton Vale.
She said the was proud of the investment she and Mr Aitken were able to secure for sports clubs at Anakie, Corio, North Shore, Lara, North Geelong and Bell Park; the Cloverdale and Rosewall community centres; the You Yangs precinct and Serendip Sanctuary; and the Northern Aquatic & Community Hub at Norlane.
“There are many highlights in my time as councillor and of particular note was the community campaign that saved Lara from the goat farm. Supporting the Windermere Ward was always the priority.
“It has been a privilege to represent the Windermere Ward, and to advocate for the hardworking people of the northern suburbs of Geelong.
“I have loved my role as a councillor representing the north of Geelong and the people of the best city in the country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow councillors, the staff at the city, and all the groups and members of the community I have worked with in my time on the council, and wish everyone the best for the future.”
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said Ms Grzybek showed dedication during her tenure.
“Councillor Grzybek served as a deputy mayor under former mayor Stephanie Asher and has been a passionate advocate for the northern suburbs for many years,” Mr Sullivan said.
“She helped secure funding and delivery of the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, which is the biggest infrastructure project undertaken by council outside of central Geelong, and successfully campaigned for upgrades to multiple facilities at sporting clubs across the northern suburbs.
“On behalf of council I wish Councillor Grzybek well and thank her for her tireless efforts as a leader in our community.”
The Victorian Electoral Commission is expected to hold a countback to elect another councillor when Ms Grzybek leaves her position.
Enamul Haque, Monique Connell and Sarah Hathway ran in Windermere Ward at the 2020 council election.
A countback, which elected Melissa Cadwell to Geelong council, was held in January after Sarah Mansfield left council last year when she was elected to state parliament.