The Glenelg Shire in southwest Victoria is grappling with a series of high-profile departures.

Councillor Chrissy Hawker reportedly resigned last week, marking the third councillor to leave their position in the past 10 months, joining deputy mayor Jayden Smith and chief executive Paul Phelan.

The Glenelg Shire has described Hawker's resignation as creating a “second extraordinary vacancy”. 

As a result, the Minister for Local Government and the Victorian Electoral Commission have been notified, and the two vacant councillor positions are set to be filled through a countback process.

Mayor Scott Martin has acknowledged that there are “issues” within the council but denies that the council has become “unworkable”. 

He expressed a willingness to receive government support to address the challenges, stating, “We do have some issues”. 

“We can't lose councillors and a CEO in a period of 12 months and say there are no issues,” he said. 

Martin has also highlighted the pressure from social media during these “trying times” and the toll it takes on public servants. 

The state government has reportedly been in contact with the council.

“We have been contacted by Glenelg council in regard to its governance and will consider how best to support the council,” a government spokesperson said. 

South-West Coast MP Roma Britnell says she has been working closely with Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne on the matter. The Local Government Inspectorate is also expected to weigh in, along with the remaining council members.