Macedon Ranges Shire councillor, Christine Walker, died late last week.
Fellow South Ward councillor and mayor, Dom Bonanno, said today the news had left him and many others in shock.
“I have spoken with Christine’s husband Andrew and on behalf of the council, offered our deepest collective condolences and any support the family may need through this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
“Christine brought a natural warmth and humour to the councillor role, but she was also incredibly inquisitive, thoughtful and regularly offered valuable insights from her experience as a market researcher.
“Vale Christine – you will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew, daughter Isobel, and the wider Walker family.”
Cr Walker was first elected to the role in November 2023 on countback to fill a resignation vacancy. She was then re-elected for a four-year term at the October 2024 council elections.
Council’s CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said Council staff were also notified of the shock news over the weekend and staff who worked closely with Christine would really feel this loss.
“I join the mayor on behalf of council and staff in offering my sincere condolences to Andrew, Isobel, and the extended Walker family,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“Our councillors become family in many ways – we are feeling this sudden loss deeply, and will do for a long time.
“Christine came into the role later than those around her in her first term, but she showed great willingness to weather the whirlwind of information to support and speed up her induction.
“Her community-driven approach, attention to detail and warmth were respected by all those around her.”
The council will not be making further comment at this point in time and ask that the Walker family be given time and space to privately grieve.
More information on the councillor vacancy will be provided in due course, in consultation with the Victorian Electoral Commission.
