Mount Gambier City Councillor Steven Perryman has resigned from his role as an elected member after almost 22 years of service to the local community.

Cr Perryman informed council of his decision on Tuesday morning, with the resignation effective that evening.

He was elected to council in May 2000 at the age of 26.

In 2002 he was elected as the youngest Mayor in South Australia, a position he held for 12 years before he stood down at the Local Government election in 2014 to return as a councillor.

“Serving on council and being involved in the strategic planning of our community over a period of more than 20 years has been a most rewarding experience and I thank the community for placing their trust in me,” Cr Perryman said.

“In particular, I thank them for allowing me the tremendous privilege of serving as Mayor from 2002 to 2014.

“All things come to an end and I have chosen to step away from council at a time that I have judged as being right. I wish the current councillors all the best for the remainder of the term.”

Mayor Lynette Martin thanked Cr Perryman for his service to the community.

“On behalf of elected members, I thank Cr Perryman for his dedication and commitment to council during the past two decades,” she said.

“I personally respect the wealth of local government knowledge and experience Cr Perryman has and acknowledge the contribution that he has made during decision making processes in the council chamber. I wish him all the very best in the future.”

In accordance with section 6(2)(a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council is not required to conduct a supplementary election as a result of the vacancy arising from Cr Perryman’s resignation.