Walcha voters will head back to the polls on Saturday, 16 January, to fill the seat left vacant by Adam Iuston, while Tenterfield Shire Council is working out when they too will hold a by-election to replace former councillor Gregory Purcell.
Mr Iuston resigned from Walcha Council on Friday, 23 October.
“On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank Adam for his service to the Walcha community,” said Walcha Council General Manager Stephen Parry.
“Serving as a councillor takes real commitment, and Adam has given his time and energy to representing local residents. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Council staff had been working with the NSW Electoral Commission, which suggested Saturday, 16 January.
The by-election must be held within three months of the resignation. The following Saturday, 23 January, falls at the start of what many would treat as a long weekend, with Australia Day on Tuesday, 26 January.
Mr Iuston’s departure also leaves gaps beyond the council chamber, with a replacement still to be decided to be Walcha’s delegate to go to the New South Wales Local Government Conference, and on a number of committees.
The reasons for his resignation are unclear, but New England Times has asked Mr Iuston for comment.
Further north, Mr Purcell’s resignation from Tenterfield Shire Council took effect on Saturday, 31 October.
Elected in 2024, Mr Purcell represented A Ward, which takes in the villages of Urbenville, Legume, Liston, and Jennings.
Council is seeking advice from the NSW Electoral Commission on how the vacancy will be filled. A report on that advice will go to council’s next meeting on Thursday, 26 November.
“I would like to thank Councillor Purcell for his service and wish him well for the future,” said Tenterfield Shire Mayor Bronwyn Petrie.
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