Betty Green may no longer be a councillor, but local government will still be on her mind in the future.
The Labor councillor, who was the current deputy mayor of Liverpool, has resigned, citing health reasons.
Liverpool Council is yet to determine when a by-election will be held to fill the vacancy created by Cr Green’s departure.
A by-election is required in NSW if a councillor departs with more than 18 months let of the council term.
If one is held it could change the composition of the council, depending on the result.
The next local government elections are due in September 2028, more than two years away.
Cr Green, who was first elected in 2021 and has been deputy mayor since September last year, thanked her husband and her family for being “rock and support”.
“My husband and family have stood by me in all my years at work and in my council work,’’ Cr Green said.
“I could not have done this without their backing and encouragement,” she said.
“It was a great honour to be elected deputy mayor, and I took great pleasure advocating for Liverpool during my term of office.
“From my experience in working with the community and key stakeholders, I have learned that listening, working cooperatively, and collaborating to solve complex problems leads to better outcomes.
“Throughout my professional and voluntary career spanning three decades, fairness, equity and social justice have always been at the heart of my work with and for the community.’’
Cr Green, who already has one thesis to her name and can use the honorific of doctor (non medical), plans a second, researching the experiences of women in local government.
“There is little academic research in this area and if by researching the topic and producing findings that generate an improvement in the NSW Local Government regulatory framework, then I will have achieved something for female councillors and women working at the higher levels of Local Government in NSW.”
Cr Green listed her highlights on council as being involved in the introduction of a Koala Management Plan, keeping the 2168 social inclusion masterplan on council’s agenda and launching the Giving Voice Exhibition, to mark the 50th anniversary of Liverpool Women’s Health Center.
“I wish to convey my appreciation to the Mayor, CEO, executive leadership team and council staff who provided me with guidance, advice and support throughout my tenure as councillor,’’ she said.