Division 4 Councillor David Cullen has resigned from his role for health reasons, Ipswich City Council Chief Executive Officer Sonia Cooper said on Thursday (29 August).
Ms Cooper said Cr Cullen had advised her that he would be stepping down from his duties as of Friday, 30 August, 2024.
“Cr Cullen has let me know that he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in May, after his election as Division 4 Councillor,” Ms Cooper said.
“Understandably, he has made the difficult decision to step down from his role as a Councillor to focus on his family and his ongoing health.”
Ms Cooper said that under Section 166 of the Local Government Act 2009, there are two options to fill the vacancy Cr Cullen’s resignation will create.
“If it is within the first 12 months of an election, Councillors must decide by resolution to either hold a by-election, or have the Electoral Commission of Queensland offer the position to the runner-up of the 2024 Division 4 election ballot.
“A special meeting of council will be convened as soon as is possible, to decide how the vacancy will be filled.”
Statement from Ipswich City Council Division 4 Councillor David Cullen
I was privileged and honoured to be elected on March 16, and I had so many hopes and aspirations to perform a leadership role and make a positive difference in service of the Ipswich community.
In late May 2024, two months after the election, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
I have been trying to manage this with diet and medication, and seeing my doctor and specialists regularly.
With my current health issues, I really need time and space to get my condition under control.
Therefore, I have resigned my position as a Division 4 councillor, effective from Friday 30 August, 2024.
This has not been an easy decision, but family and health must come first.
I am disappointed that I am not able to continue serving my Division 4 community, but I know they will understand that this is the right decision for me to make.
It has been an honour to serve as a councillor, and a huge learning curve. I have enjoyed and appreciated my time.
Thank you again for the incredible privilege that many are not given the chance to experience.
David Cullen,
Councillor, Division 4,
Ipswich City Council
