Statement from Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Cr Annemarie McCabe

Published on 27 April 2023

At last night's ordinary Council Meeting, Joe Gauci resigned his position as a Baw Baw Shire Central Ward Councillor. In doing so, he made some allegations about Council processes and conduct.

His allegations will be taken seriously. They will be fully investigated, and appropriate action taken in due course.

Further updates will be provided when appropriate.

Mr Gauci has served Baw Baw Shire for 11 years as Councillor, including 3 terms as Mayor. Many in the community will have worked closely with him over this time and his sudden resignation will come as a shock to them as it has to me. On behalf of Baw Baw Shire Council, I’d like to express our gratitude for his service.

With regards to Mr Gauci’s vacated Central Ward seat on Council, we are now in contact with the Victorian Electoral Commission and the required procedures are underway.

We will work though the next steps and processes in accordance with VEC regulations and will provide an update as soon as possible.