Hedland loses councillor as Flo Bennett resigns ‘after consideration of personal, professional commitments’

Hedland Cr Flo Bennet has called time on her short-lived tenure on the local government. Despite having just under a year left of her four-year term, she has officially tendered her resignation as a town of Port Hedland councillor, effective from November 14. Cr Bennett was elected in October 2021, with her term due to expire on October 18, 2025. “This decision comes after careful consideration of my current personal and professional commitments,” Cr Bennett said. “I believe it is crucial for council members to be fully present and engaged in their roles, and I feel I can no longer provide the level of commitment that our community deserves. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my time on the council. It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated individuals and to contribute to our community. “I am proud of what we have achieved together and will carry these experiences with me as I move forward.” Mayor Peter Carter thanked Cr Bennett for her contribution to the community. “It takes significant commitment to take on the role of councillor, and I am grateful to Flo for her dedication over the last three years,” Mr Carter said. “On behalf of the council, I wish Flo and her family all the best, and am sure she will continue to contribute to the community in many other ways.” Cr Bennett’s resignation comes just days after the latest ordinary council meeting ran for 6-plus hours and amid concerns from the State Government over relationships between councillors and other governance issues. If an extraordinary election is called, it will be just months after the last one, which sought to replace David Eckhart in March at a cost of $73,750. Cr Adrian McRae was the winner of that election, with the returning officer giving notice that Henry Lockyer was the second-placed candidate, followed by Gloria Jacob. However, changes to the local Government Act in October 2023 mean council vacancies can now be filled based on the results of an election that has taken place within the previous 12 months. “If the office of a council member elected in the 2023 ordinary elections (or future elections) becomes vacant, backfilling may be an option to fill the position rather than holding an extraordinary election,” according to the Department of Local Government’s website. In a statement released late last week, the town said it was “liaising with the West Australia Electoral Commission for further advice to be presented to the November ordinary council meeting”. When she put her hand up for the council in 2021, Cr Bennett — a long-time local, sports volunteer and business owner — said prioritising families and retaining community members was one of her top priorities, as well as supporting the prevention of youth crime. “I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of years. I’ve grown up here and I’ve seen a lot. To make a change you’ve got to be in it, so I thought ‘why not?’ and I put my hand up,” she said at the time. “I don’t have any experience on a council but I think four years will be a lot of time to put things in place and get things rolling. Whether I get in or not, with the right people we can improve Hedland.”