They are now set to leave simultaneously too.

At Tuesday night's meeting, the last before the 2020 Local Government Election caretaker period, councillors thanked the duo for their service.

Councillor Peter Beales moved a motion that council acknowledge councillors Hull and Deutsch for their service.

"Frank asked his questions in private and has always been a team player, but that doesn't mean he's buckled under pressure," he said. "And don't ask him questions unless you want a full and - pardon the pun - frank answer."

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Councillor Hull said being a councillor was "an absolute privilege". She thanked former councillor Pat McAloon for encouraging her to stand.

"I hope peopl who have voted for me feel their faith in me was justified. I've done my best," she said. "There were times when I went home and thought I could have done better or wasn't happy with what I did, but I've always tried to do the best for the community and be fair-minded.

"For those who didn't vote for me, I hope I wasn't too disappointing."

Cr Hull was first elected to council in 2002 and served six years before being re-elected in 2012 for a four-year term. Her tenure included two mayoral stints - in 2003-04 and 2007-08.

Cr Deutsch also served a 19-month stint in Ararat from March 2015 to October 2016.

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