One councillor has ‘taken leave’ and others have agreed to participate in a ‘facilitated session to navigate current working relationships’ as behind the scenes conflict reached ‘toxic’ levels.*
TWiSK understands that the facilitated mediation session was proposed after a ‘heated unresolved discussion’ at last Wednesday’s Councillor Only Time meeting (a regular closed-door discussion between councillors).
The level of toxic feeling became a matter of public record when Cr Robbie Nyaguy made an apology related to a social media post made in February (see separate story).
Cr Nyaguy told Council that he would be taking a leave of absence, effective immediately, until a previously agreed mediation session between Councillors.
‘Unfortunately, after an incident earlier today, [council’s] toxic culture has risen to a level that makes me no longer feel safe in this work environment,’ he said before leaving the Council chamber before the meeting concluded.
TWiSK understands that the February social media post and the latest incident are entirely separate matters, but both point to a difficult culture.
Mayor confirms sessions
Mayor Heather Cunsolo told TWiSK that ‘Councillors have agreed we could benefit as a councillor group from a facilitated session to navigate current working relationships, naturally heightened in an election year.
‘The format and date have not yet been decided.’
From an anonymous Councillor
When word of this story got around (media responses are routinely emailed to all councillors), TWiSK received this comment from a sitting Councillor for unattributed inclusion.
‘The culture amongst Councillors and the Council executive right now at St Kilda Town Hall has never been more toxic.
‘The deeply personal and false accusations, and ongoing attacks on Councillor’s and Council officers just doing their jobs by one current Councillor’s partner, and a small number of his associates, has caused great distress at Town Hall.
‘These attacks have been via Social Media and via direct phone, text and email correspondence to Councillors and Council officers.
‘All attempts by Councillors to privately and professionally address these issues directly with the Councillors concerned over the past few years have been met with the same response.’
TWiSK welcomes comments from other councillors.
Media Response – from Port Phillip Council Mayor Heather Cunsolo – in full
“As referenced in Cr Nyaguy’s apology, Councillors have agreed we could benefit as a councillor group from a facilitated session to navigate current working relationships, naturally heightened in an election year.
“The format and date have not yet been decided.”
* corrected 21 July 24
