Council
1 November, 2025
Mayor seeks extended leave
Acting Horsham Rural City Council mayor Brian Klowss chaired his first council meeting in October since accepting the role in September, following Cr Ian Ross' request for a leave of absence due to health matters.
Cr Klowss said he had received a further request from Cr Ross to extend his leave of absence from October 21, 2025, to April 21, 2026, with the condition that he would return to duties earlier if his health permitted.
The motion was moved by Cr Rebecca Sluggett, and seconded by Cr Todd Wilson with a unanimous vote in favour of the motion.
At a special meeting closed to the public in accordance with the Local Government Act earlier in the month, the mayor had requested a leave of absence due to a health matter, and Cr Klowss was appointed to the interim role to step in when the mayor was not available.
The full extent of the mayor's condition was not made public until the September council meeting, when Cr Ross announced he had been diagnosed with a tumour of the palate and further extensive testing showed an adenoid cystic carcinoma.
He said while he regretted having to step aside, he was confident in the direction the council was heading, and he hoped to return to duties after treatment.
Cr Ross was elected to the position of mayor of HRCC at the 2024 Local Government Elections after being the only councillor returned to office.
Cr Klowss said since accepting the Acting Mayor role, his workload had increased tenfold, but the upside of that was how much he had learnt about the community, especially groups and individuals who work behind the scenes.
He said this part of the Acting Mayor's role was especially enjoyable.