Val Oliver wants to do a lot more gardening with husband Olly.
Camera IconVal Oliver wants to do a lot more gardening with husband Olly. Credit: Supplied/Elle Borgward

Councillor stops to smell the roses

Bryce Luff, Cockburn GazetteFremantle Gazette

Ms Oliver was 69 when she was convinced to run for a position on Cockburn’s panel of councillors, having spent 38 years prior to that working in the community.

But after 13 years in the role, she decided to call time. ‘I’d just had enough. I’m not sure if it was psychological or what, but I wanted my life back,’ she said.

‘I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband. He’s been looking after me for years.’

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Not a fan of travelling, Ms Oliver plans to relax by tending to her garden.

‘There’s lots of little things around the community I can do as well,’ she said. ‘I’ll keep an eye on things in that way.’

Her final message to Cockburn residents was to get involved.

‘I never wanted to be anyone special. I just wanted to help people,’ she said.

‘People need to give a bit of time to their community. You can help, you can make a difference ” everybody can.’