Warrnambool mayor Ben Blain steps down after three terms
Warrnambool's Ben Blain announced his resignation as mayor after three terms, citing his desire to focus on his young family.
Ben Blain told Warrnambool council he will step down from the mayor's role after more than three years in the job. Ben Blain was believed to be the city's youngest-ever mayor when elected at 34 in 2023.
The council will vote on his replacement on November 16. Deputy mayor Matt Walsh has not ruled himself out of stepping up.
Former mayor Vicki Jellie, who previously held both the mayor and deputy mayor roles, remained noncommittal. Richard Ziegeler, who served as mayor for just four months in 2022, has ruled out running again.
Blain said he remains passionate about Warrnambool but wants to step back from the intensive schedule of travel to Canberra and Sydney that the role demands.
- 34
- Age when elected
- 2023
- Year elected
- November 16
- Replacement vote date
- 2 years old
- Daughter's age
Why it mattersThe change opens the door for new leadership in a regional city that has pushed major projects including offshore wind farms and key worker housing.
AustraliaWarrnambool residents will see a new leader at council within weeks, potentially shifting priorities on local projects including the AquaZone upgrade and Brierly Recreation Reserve community hub.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
