Shire of Irwin councillor Hayley Palmer makes shock resignation after being re-elected unopposed in October

Business and community advocate Hayley Palmer has resigned as an Irwin Shire councillor after only having been re-elected unopposed last October. Shire president Mark Leonard thanked Ms Palmer, a Dongara local, for her four years of service on council and said she would be missed, after handing in her shock resignation effective from Thursday, January 25. “She was always willing to bring new ideas and fresh new points to the benefit of council and the community. It’s a good ability to have and she was also very clear in her advocacy and very good at debating,” he said. “We will miss those attributes.” Ms Palmer is general manager of award-winning distillery Illegal Tender Rum Co. outside Dongara and is also deputy chair of the Mid West Development Commission. She did not respond to queries from the Geraldton Guardian about why she left council, but Cr Leonard said in a statement he was sure she would continue to contribute in other areas in the community and wished her and her family well in the future. In a written statement nominating herself for re-election last year, Ms Palmer said she was “running again for council as I believe the work we have done over the last four years has ensured our town thrives under economic uncertainty.” “I firmly believe that small towns like ours can thrive when they showcase their natural beauty and rich culture to the world. It’s not just about economic growth; it’s about preserving the pristine environment for our kids and their kids. “Our town is a treasure and I’m committed to make decisions that ensure that its charm stays that way for generations to come.” A date for the extraordinary local government election to replace Ms Palmer is yet to be released.