THE past 24 hours have been an emotional and distressing time for former Great Lakes Council mayor Jan McWilliams.
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On Thursday morning Ms McWilliams learned she and her fellow councillors had been unceremoniously dumped by the state government after announcing its plans to merge Gloucester, Greater Taree and Great Lakes councils.
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The former mayor greeted the news of her sacking with a mixture of shock, hurt and disbelief.
“I could not talk I was so angry,”
- Ex-mayor of former Great Lakes Council
But, it was the manner of her dismissal which stunned her most.
Like the majority of Great Lakes residents Ms McWiliiams learned she had been kicked out when it was announced on the local ABC morning show.
It was a shocking blow for a woman who had dedicated more than two decades to local government, and had – as she admitted on radio– often put her career before her family.
Elected mayor for eight consecutive terms, Ms McWilliams wasn’t even afforded the courtesy of a phone call or official letter informing her of the dismissal.
“I could not talk I was so angry,” Ms McWilliams said as her eyes fill with tears.
Councillors and council staff had an inkling a merger between Gloucester, Greater Taree and Great Lakes councils was on the cards but they were surprised the state government made its announcement so quickly.
“We thought the government would tell us at the end of the financial year,” Ms McWilliams said.
Ms McWilliams is proud of her council’s history of strong financial stability and solidarity.
“We have been exemplary. We have not had a court case, no code of conduct cases; we are honest.
“We have worked hard to get this council where it is today.”
Since the Great Lakes Advocate posted the news on its website ratepayers and residents have expressed their disappointment about Ms McWilliams’ sacking.
Gavin Maberly-Smith wrote: “Thanks Jan you did a fantastic job bringing unity and direction to council.
“Let’s hope that your lessons continue to help the future council to act in this same way.”
Susan Saxby thanked Ms McWilliams, saying she had done a wonderful job, and had brought a bit of commonsense and fairness to the role."
