Hawkesbury City Mayor, Patrick Conolly, has resigned from the Council’s top job, citing the impact of a terrifying recent home invasion as the reason behind his departure.
“As many people in our community are aware, my family were recently the victims of a violent home invasion and unfortunately this event has had a significant impact on our lives over the last few months,” the Mayor said in a statement.
“After attempting to balance these competing demands, my priority clearly needs to be my family, to ensure my children recover from this trauma, and to look after my own mental health as well.
“In the short term, I cannot continue to properly represent the community and fulfil my more important roles as a father and husband.”
The Mayor and his family were the victims of a home invasion just after midnight on May 15 when a group of intruders forced their way into their Bligh Park home. He suffered a stab wound to his left arm during the incident and was hospitalised.
He said coming to the conclusion to resign had been “deeply disappointing”.
“Representing our community as Mayor has been an immense privilege that I have enjoyed despite the challenges we have been through over the last two years. I hope to have the opportunity to serve as a representative of our community again in the future.”
“I have been so grateful for the concern and support the community has shown me and trust that this decision will be met with the same understanding.”
There will be an extraordinary meeting held on 23 August to deal with the election of a new Mayor. Mr Connolly will continue to serve as a Councillor.
