By AIDAN KNIGHT

 

MORWELL River Ward has been left without representation, after councillor Tracie Lund resigned publicly on Monday morning (March 16).

Cr Lund’s five-year term comes to a close after a notable absence since last year’s mayoral election, which she attended virtually.

The Express should note that, previous to this, Cr Lund was also missing from multiple meetings during 2025, but did so with an approved leave of absence following the tragic death of her husband, and returned to her role regularly between this and the election.

“After a lot of reflection, I feel I’ve done everything I can at the council level. Sometimes leadership is also about recognising when it’s time for change,” Cr Lund said via her Facebook page at 7am on Monday.

“As many of you know, my family has been navigating some significant and life-changing circumstances. That has meant taking a step back and considering where my time, energy and advocacy can make the greatest difference moving forward.

“Stepping away from council doesn’t mean stepping away from service. Community has always been at the heart of everything I do, and that won’t change. It simply means creating the space to continue advocating for the Latrobe Valley and the people who call it home in a different way.

In her time on council since 2020, Ms Lund served as deputy mayor for a year in 2024, and was well known in the municipality in her role as manager of the Morwell Community House. In line with this, much of her time on council focused on developing and delivering effective community programs, and she was particularly invested in spaces concerning youth and mental health within the region.

Despite stepping away, Ms Lund assures that she will continue to advocate for the Latrobe Valley and its people differently, and her commitment to the community remains the same.

“This community has shaped who I am. I’m grateful for the friendships, partnerships and the many people I’ve met along the way who have shared their stories, their perspectives and their passion for this place, all of which have had a lasting impact on me,” she said.

“The next chapter may look different but my commitment to this community remains exactly the same.”

The Victorian Electoral Commission will now schedule a by-election to fill Ms Lund’s vacancy within council.

All enrolled residents within the ward’s boundaries are required to vote.

Before this, however, the VEC must provide platforms for those eligible to run as a candidate, leaving open the next question – who will try for the job?

Latrobe City Council Mayor Sharon Gibson, alongside chief executive Steve Pisante, expressed their appreciation for Ms Lund’s contribution and wished her all the best for her future endeavours.

Latrobe City Council has assured residents that the operations of council will have no impact from this sudden resignation, and those concerned that they have no immediate councillor before a replacement is elected, can contact the mayor, deputy mayor or the broader councillor group for any enquiries.

The Express will provide more information on the upcoming by-election for Morwell River Ward in coming weeks.