Blue Mountains councillor Alison McLaren has announced she will step down as WSROC president when her term expires in October this year.
The announcement follows her decision not to stand for a third term as the councillor representing Ward 3, at the local government election in September.
At age 23, Clr McLaren was the youngest-ever person to be elected to Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) when she took up her position in 2004, and she is now the longest-serving president of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council after four years at the helm.
“It was a very difficult decision because I have been a councillor most of my adult life,” Clr McLaren said.
“But I have decided the time has come to move onto new challenges.”
“At the end of the day I decided I needed to pursue some other challenges work-wise and focus on my studies to complete my Masters in International Relations.
“It’s been a great privilege and honour representing the people of Western Sydney as the President of WSROC.
“As the youngest-ever Blue Mountains councillor I hope I have blazed the trail for young people – especially young women – to get involved in the running of their communities and make their voices heard on the issues which affect them,” she said.
“And during my time at WSROC I have worked tirelessly to focus attention on the needs and issues facing the people of Western Sydney.
“I am proud of our achievements in hosting the National Population Summit in 2010, the NSW leaders Debate in 2011 and this year, continuing our advocacy on major issues with the Housing Affordability Summit last month.
“We have built strong and enduring relationships with all levels of Governments and key decision makers and have been able to represent our stakeholders in many public forums on a broad range of issues.
“I hope that I will be leaving WSROC a strong and highly respected organisation and I am confident the Board will continue to carry on the important work that has begun under my tenure.”
Clr McLaren said she would continue to carry out her duties as WSROC president until the Board elections to be held in October 2012.
