Tiana Myers announced her resignation as a Ward 3 councillor for Wollongong. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Councillor Tiana Myers has announced her resignation as a Ward 3 councillor for Wollongong City Council.
Her resignation is effective immediately.
Cr Myers was elected to council in 2024 with a focus on advocating for the residents of Ward 3 and building fair and inclusive communities.
In a statement she said her decision to resign was a result of ongoing health challenges.
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision and not one I’ve made lightly,’’ she said.
“Over the past months I have faced significant health challenges and I have done my best to fulfil my responsibilities to the community. However, after much reflection, and advice from my doctors, I need to prioritise my long-term health and wellbeing.
“Serving our community has been a great honour, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent the residents of Wollongong, especially Ward 3.’’
Her resignation won’t trigger a return to the polling booths for Ward 3 residents however.
Cr Myers’ position will be filled through a countback election.
A countback allows a councillor vacancy to be filled using a recount of the ballot papers from the last ordinary election.
At an extraordinary meeting of Wollongong Council on 14 October 2024, the first meeting following the 2024 ordinary local government elections, the council decided to fill any casual vacancy occurring within 18 months of the election by countback.
A spokesperson for Wollongong City Council said the NSW Electoral Commission was notified of the vacancy and the commission would start preparation for the countback process.
This will include contacting all the unelected candidates who stood in Ward 3 during the September 2024 local government elections to inform them of the vacancy.
They will then have the opportunity to submit an application to participate in the countback.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown acknowledged the enthusiasm demonstrated by Cr Myers during her time as a councillor.
“Tiana has been a strong advocate for the community, especially on issues connected to the Ward 3 community. I thank her for her time, passion, and integrity,’’ Cr Brown said.
“Over the past 18 months she has made a valuable contribution to council and to improving the lives of those who live in Wollongong. She will be missed in the chamber.’’
As a councillor, Ms Myers filled positions on the West Dapto Review Committee, Southern Area Floodplain Risk Management Committee (chairperson), Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Plan Implementation Group and the Walking, Cycling and Mobility Reference Group.
She said she was proud of the work she had done and hoped to find other ways to serve the community in future.
“Although I am closing this chapter, my commitment to fairness, compassion and community does not end here,” she said.
“I look forward to contributing in new ways at some point in the future and remaining engaged in the work of building stronger, more inclusive communities.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has truly been an honour.”
