Councillor Ellie Tree Steps Down from Official Duties

Published on 07 May 2025

Photo: Mayor Cr. Steve Allan. Cr. Ellie Tree, Former Cr. Jo Cook, Cr. Jo Brotherton

Bellingen Shire Council has received and accepted the resignation of Councillor Ellie Tree, who has made the considered decision to step down from her role as Councillor and Deputy Mayor, effective immediately.

Cr. Tree’s contribution to Council and the broader community has been both significant and inspiring. Elected in 2021, she made history as the youngest councillor ever elected to Bellingen Shire Council. Across two terms, including service as Deputy Mayor, she has brought dedication, compassion, and a strong voice for young people, social justice, and community connection to the Council table.

Photo: Cr. Tree at the Oath of Office Ceremony

“Being a Councillor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Cr. Tree. “I immersed myself fully in this role with a commitment to serve our community wholeheartedly and to the best of my ability. However, the structural realities of regional local government make it challenging for young, working women to sustain such roles.”

Cr. Tree’s decision highlights the growing difficulty faced by many in balancing Council responsibilities with employment, study and family commitments—particularly given the modest remuneration provided to elected members. These challenges are echoed in sector-wide advocacy, including by Local Government NSW, which has called for a more sustainable and equitable remuneration model to support greater diversity and retention in local government representation.

Alongside her Council role, Cr. Tree works as a Community Impact Strategist at ShoreTrack, is pursuing a post graduate degree in Social Impact, and is a dedicated mother of three. Her leadership has consistently championed inclusive engagement, youth voice, and stronger community connections across the Shire.

Council expresses its sincere gratitude to Cr. Tree for her exceptional service and heartfelt leadership. Her presence around the Council table will be deeply missed, and her legacy as a passionate advocate for equity, access and participation will leave a lasting imprint on Bellingen Shire.

Photo: Cr.Tree with Mayor Cr. Steve Allan

Mayor Cr. Steve Allan acknowledged Cr Tree’s impact and contribution, stating:

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside Ellie as Deputy Mayor and as a valued colleague on Council. Her ability to connect with the community—particularly through her communications on social media—has played an important role in keeping our residents informed and engaged. Through her support of initiatives like YOUth Speak, Ellie has helped bridge the gap between young people and Council decision-making. I want to sincerely thank her for her service, her compassion, and her enduring commitment to making the Shire a more inclusive and connected place. She will be greatly missed.”

In accordance with Section 291A of the Local Government Act 1993, Council will refer the casual vacancy to the NSW Electoral Commission for a countback election. This process allows for the vacancy to be filled by recounting votes from the last ordinary election, rather than holding a by-election. Further information about the countback process is available at: elections.nsw.gov.au.