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Latest edition Edition date · Fri, 27 Mar 2026

A stern rebuke, election fail, and a Solitaire scandal – #568

  • The Palestinian flag is coming down in Darebin
  • A leadership crisis at the City of Ryde stretches into a second week
  • Legal advice sought over a councillor’s claims at the City of Perth
  • Repeated attempts to elect a deputy mayor at Merri-bek Council fail to deliver a result
  • A so called ‘playground style’ spat earns a stern rebuke for two Moonee Valley councillors
  • The sector pays tribute to a former Mayor of Lismore
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Merri-bek finally has a Deputy Mayor

Merri-bek finally has a Deputy Mayor

It took three meetings, and five votes – but Merri-bek City Council finally has a new deputy mayor. The Council has tonight elected former mayor Cr Helen Davidson to the position, after it was vacated due to the one month suspension of Cr Jay Iwasaki. Cr Davidson was the only nomination for the role on […]

Federal Court Orders Reinstatement of Katherine Town Council CEO

Federal Court Orders Reinstatement of Katherine Town Council CEO

Katherine Town Council, in the Northern Territory, has officially acknowledged a Federal Court order requiring the immediate reinstatement of Ms. Ingrid Stonhill as Chief Executive Officer. The order, handed down on March 23, 2026, comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings regarding Ms. Stonhill’s employment. While the specifics of the dispute remain subject to legal privilege, the […]

Merri-Bek Council Appoints New CEO

Merri-Bek Council Appoints New CEO

Merri-bek City Council has officially announced the appointment of Ms. Kate McCaughey as its new Chief Executive Officer. Following an extensive and competitive recruitment process, McCaughey is set to lead the organisation starting June 15, 2026. With over 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors, Ms McCaughey brings a unique blend of […]

Still deadlocked in Merri-bek

Still deadlocked in Merri-bek

Merri-bek City Council has tonight held a further meeting to elect a Deputy Mayor, after two failed attempts 24 hours previously. Nominations for the role were once again submitted for Cr Liz Irvin and Cr Katerine Theodosis. Those same councillors contested the vote the previous evening, each attracting five votes from the ten councillors present. […]

Ryde Leadership Crisis Enters Second Week

Ryde Leadership Crisis Enters Second Week

More than a week after the sensational suspension of the City of Ryde’s top executive team, a “wall of silence” has descended over the civic centre. Despite mounting calls for transparency and a potential state-led inquiry, the council has offered almost no further information regarding the investigations into its most senior staff. As previously reported […]