Statement from Clr Patrick Conolly

11 August 2022

Today I have advised the General Manager and Councillors of Hawkesbury City Council that I am resigning from the position of Mayor.

As many people in our community are aware, my family were recently the victims of a violent home invasion and unfortunately this event has had a significant impact on our lives over the last few months.

After attempting to balance these competing demands, my priority clearly needs to be my family, to ensure my children recover from this trauma, and to look after my own mental health as well.

In the short term, I cannot continue to properly represent the community and fulfil my more important roles as a father and husband.

To come to this conclusion is deeply disappointing for me, as representing our community as Mayor has been an immense privilege that I have enjoyed despite the challenges we have been through over the last 2 years. I hope to have the opportunity to serve as a representative of our community again in the future.

I have been so grateful for the concern and support the community has shown me and trust that this decision will be met with the same understanding.

There will be an extraordinary meeting held on 23 August 2022 to deal with the election of a new Mayor. I will continue to serve as a Councillor.