Peter Hulin's resignation from Warrnambool City Council this week was a shock to many.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The long-serving councillor has been a passionate advocate for the city since he was elected in 2008.
But there was never a dull moment with Mr Hulin in the chamber. He was a colourful but polarising figure at times.
To some, he was the people's voice, a councillor who was not afraid to ask hard questions.
But to others he was a grand-standing trouble-maker - terms used by fellow councillors at various times, especially in earlier terms when the council was viewed as dysfunctional.
He had plenty of good ideas to further the city but he struggled to win the support of enough colleagues to make his dreams a reality.
In an era of bureaucratisation and politicisation where speaking one's mind is seemingly discouraged, he was a breath of fresh air, telling it as he saw it.
That approach did not endear him to his colleagues and some ratepayers.
Mr Hulin cited a lack of openness and transparency and a toxic culture within the council when he announced his resignation.
Some have seen this as an unneccessary parting shot. To him, he stayed true to himself.
The council has rejected the criticism.
Mr Hulin will be replaced with more than eight months of the four-year term remaining. Who will that be? Will the dynamics around the council table change? What can we expect?
It's been a tumultuous period for the council, investigations into the alleged inappropriate use of corporate credit cards are expected to be finalised soon.
The council has poorly handled several big issues - horses on beaches and Reid Oval redevelopment among them.
Ratepayers expect the new-look council to get on with these issues and make decisions the community expect. They also want and deserve to know what is going on in the most liveable regional city in Australia.
There's a lot to look forward to before the next election.