The five retiring Ballarat City councillors all said goodbye to the council chamber last night with heartfelt speeches, watched on by a small 15-member gallery.
Councillor Cheryl Bromfield said being a councillor was challenging and rewarding.
“We haven’t always gotten on but we’ve always had the same goalposts in sight,” Cr Bromfield said.
Cr Craig Fletcher said the council had focused on doing what was best for Ballarat.
“We had a strategic focus, we set principles and we stuck to it,” he said.
Cr Judy Verlin said her respect for local government was enormous.
“It’s the most hands-on, highly respected opportunity for an individual,” Cr Verlin said.
Cr Noel Perry said the council had worked as a team to ensure Ballarat returned to where it should be.
“It’s been led by good people who’ve led this city well and did the right things at the right time,” Cr Perry said.