Former Great Lakes Mayor, MidCoast Councillor and Tuncurry resident Jan McWilliams has announced she is retiring from MidCoast Council after 26 years of public service.

‘It’s time,’ she says. ‘I’d like to thank my General Managers over the years -Gerry McDonagh, Keith O’Leary and Glenn Handford , along with former Great Lakes Mayor John Chadban for their great and appreciated help during my term as both Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The team efforts helped maintain positive control of ratepayers finances. I’d also like to thank all the staff who were so supportive.’

Jan says she thoroughly enjoyed her time as Great Lakes Mayor and always maintained an open door policy to all. She was ( and still is) Patron of many local groups.

The naturalisation ceremony on Australia day was Jan’s favourite part of the job. She lists her proudest achievements as; the Tuncurry skate park development, the Tuncurry Hawks football ground grandstand and lighting, the Oyster Festival, the 2000 Olympic relay, her work on police and crime prevention committee, and the planning for future improvements at Main Beach and Memorial Drive boardwalk along Wallis Lake.

During her service, Councillor McWilliams has been honoured three times: she received the Women in Local Government award and the Emeritus Mayor award and was recognised by the New South Wales Premier and the local government association for 25 years service. She has been ably supported by Dennis, her husband, throughout her political career.

The local community wishes her well as she looks to enjoying a well earned retirement.