LOGAN Mayor Pam Parker announced she will not contest the 2016 council elections during an emotional International Women's Day speech on Friday.
Speaking in front of almost 400 guests at the brunch at the Logan Entertainment Centre, Cr Parker reflected on her 18 years in Logan City Council.
“After consulting my family and close friends, I have decided I will not be contesting the next election as Mayor of Logan," Cr Parker said.
“This is a decision I have not taken lightly, as there are many who believe in me and know of my genuine love and care for this great city and its people, having served 11 years as a councillor, and now seven years as mayor."
Cr Parker said it was time for her to "recharge, rebuild my health, reconnect with my family and friends and begin the next chapter of life”.
Cr Parker was first elected as a divisional councillor in 1997, and over 11 years built a strong reputation for working hard and caring for the community.
She contested the 2008 mayoral election and stormed home with an impressive 72 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote, defeating a former mayor and former state government Minister.
In her speech, Cr Parker spoke about the challenges she had to overcome in her first term as mayor.
“I was blessed to be surrounded by such a supportive family and staff who truly sustained me throughout my first term as mayor, given the toxic political environment in council at that time," she said.
“Add to that overseeing local government amalgamation, DA reform, and water restructuring, my first term can only be described as gruelling.
“Thankfully, my second term has afforded me the opportunity to do more of what I do best – and that is to promote the City of Logan like there is no tomorrow.”
With just over one year until the next local government elections, Cr Parker re-affirmed her commitment to fervently serving the people of Logan right through until her very last day as mayor.
“There will be ample opportunity over the next 12 months to say farewell to the thousands of people I have met over the past nearly two decades, but in the meantime, there is still much work to do," she said.
