Ready to leave: Helen Relph, at the Gisborne adventure playground, will retire from the council in October. Picture: Matthew Furneaux
HELEN Relph will end her eight-year association with local government in October, after deciding not to recontest for a seat on Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
The Gisborne resident was elected in a byelection in 2005 and has worked with three different groups of councillors.
"I feel like it's time. I'm an all-or-nothing kind of person. I've put a huge amount of work in and I suppose I would rather choose a time to retire."
When she was re-elected in November 2008, Cr Relph decided it would be her last term.
"The example was set by [former councillor] John Connor. He decided at the beginning of his term - which I decided to do this time - that he would step down at the end of that term and I saw how much fun he had.
''It was nothing political then - the motivation for every bit of decision making is about making the right decision, not because it's a decision that might look good at the next election."
Cr Relph said she would miss the people and the relationships she had formed.
"I suppose the ongoing friendship and appreciation of the wonderful people and place of the area is something I really appreciate has come from my time on council."
She is encouraging younger people to get involved with the council.
The Victorian Local Governance Association and Youth Affairs Council will hold a forum in Bendigo for people aged 18-25 who are thinking about standing for council in the October elections.
The sessions are also open to people under 18 who are thinking about running in the future. They will be held on August 9 from 5-7pm at Bendigo Town Hall. RSVP by August 2.
Details: yacvic.org.au