Greater Dandenong City Council has voted down a proposed motion to explore having mayors and deputy mayors directly elected by the public, rather than by councillors, per Dandenong Star Journal.
—-
Per Pulse Tasmania, Launceston councillors have passed a vote of no confidence in Mayor Matthew Garwood following controversy over his social media post with American singer Ronnie Radke.
The motion passed five votes to three.
While Cr Garwood took responsibility for the incident and its negative impact on the council, the no-confidence vote is only a political statement and he will remain Mayor unless he chooses to step down.
—-

Lismore City Council General Manager Jon Gibbons has resigned due to family reasons, with Mayor Steve Krieg thanking him for his dedicated service and leadership during the city’s recovery period, per The Lismore App.
Gibbons, who began his five-year agreement in February 2023, was the council’s sixth GM in six years.
—-
Cumberland City Council has voted to remove all 50 “Racism Not Welcome” signs across the local government area, though Mayor Ola Hamed opposed the decision while reaffirming the Council’s ongoing commitment to combating racism.
—-
Eurobodalla Council has voted to exit its disability services, aged care packages, and seniors respite services by October, affecting around 148 clients and 75 staff members.
While services will continue as normal for now, the transition is subject to confirmation that other providers can support clients, with a staff consultation and detailed plans to be developed before any changes occur.
—-
Councillor Michael Crye has relinquished his position on Oberon Council due to unforeseen circumstances, with the vacant position to be filled through a Countback Election method conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission.
—-
US: Kansas City Council has voted unanimously to fire City Manager Brian Platt following a three-week paid suspension, which came after the city lost a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit that cost nearly $1 million, per NPR News.
Mayor Quinton Lucas cited damage to the city’s reputation and Platt’s ineffectiveness at handling personnel matters as reasons for the firing, while Platt has retained an employment discrimination law firm and may be preparing to sue the city.