Shock resignation, 2 month suspension, and an agenda setting emergency – #578

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup: plus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond. The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3, and Rath Engineering Development. Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform, or by […]

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Censure, corruption inquiry, and unavoidable trade-offs – #577

On the Wednesday, 22nd April edition of the Local Government News Roundup: plus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond. The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3, and Rath Engineering Development. Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast […]

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Standing Up to Bullying – Hawkesbury Council

Hawkesbury City Council is drawing a line in the sand against what it describes as a disturbing rise in bullying, sexism, and racism within the region. Mayor Les Sheather and a majority of Councillors have issued a joint declaration, condemning unprovoked attacks against staff and residents. The Council is particularly concerned about a local publication […]

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ICAC Announces Inquiry into Parramatta Council

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has announced it will hold a public inquiry into allegations of serious corruption at the City of Parramatta Council. The inquiry, known as Operation Navarra, is scheduled to begin on Monday, 11 May 2026. The investigation focuses on former Chief Executive Officer Gail Connolly, along with council employees […]

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Decision Time Looms on Kiama’s “Drastic” Budget

As Kiama Municipal Council prepares for its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday, the community is bracing for a defining moment in the region’s local governance. Faced with a looming $4.5 million deficit and a state-mandated deadline to balance the books by June 2027, the council has released a “266-page bundle” of documents detailing drastic measures that […]

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Cessnock GM appointment nears

Cessnock City Council may be close to appointing a new General Manager. An Extraordinary Meeting called for 6.30pm Wednesday includes a Mayoral Minute titled “Appointment of General Manager.” It will be a confidential session. Peter Chrystal has been the Interim General Manager while the recruitment process for a permanent replacement has been underway, following Ken […]

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“Lower the temperature,” dysfunctional councillors, and a landslide win – #576

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Plus the Roundup Flashback machine takes us back 12 months to see what was making news this time last year plus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond. The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, […]

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Resignations abound, by-election chaos, and a financial black hole – #575

On your Friday 17 April edition of the Local Government News Roundup: plus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond. The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3, and Rath Engineering Development. Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast […]

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Confirmed: Hawkesbury GM resignation

Hawkesbury City Council has confirmed the resignation of General Manager Elizabeth Richardson. At its Ordinary Meeting on 14 April, the Council officially accepted Ms Richardson’s resignation after five years in the role. During her tenure, Ms. Richardson is credited with transforming the council’s performance, infrastructure delivery, and workplace culture. Notably, she oversaw an increase in […]

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Shock suspension, hidden camera breach, and a “nonsensical” decision – #574

On the midweek edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Plus much more news from across Australia and beyond. The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3, and Rath Engineering Development. Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform, or by clicking […]

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