A countback will be held next month to fill a vacancy on Whittlesea council following the death of Cr John Butler.
The north ward councillor died on September 6 after an illness.
The Victorian Electoral Commission will hold a countback of votes from last year’s council election on Wednesday, October 4.
The five candidates who were unsuccessful will be eligible to be included in the countback. The candidates are William Sharp, Tom Joseph, Sasha Nackovski, Kurt Cauchi and Christine Stow.
Cr Butler was elected to the council for the first time at last year’s election.
He spent 39 years in the Australian Regular Army, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring.
The Doreen resident’s community involvement included working as a volunteer firefighter with the Doreen CFA. He also recently served as the inaugural president of the Doreen RSL sub-branch.
Mayor Ricky Kirkham said Cr Butler was highly respected by the community and council staff, adding that he provided his time without question and was a trusted mentor to many.
“His warm, kind nature and humour were notable traits that will leave a lasting legacy amongst his family and friends,” he said.
