The chief executive of a central Victorian council who is facing a rare “private prosecution” has resigned.
Hepburn Shire Council’s Bradley Thomas has worked for the council since 2019 and held the role since 2021.
Mayor Tony Clark said Mr Thomas had performed “exceptionally well” under very difficult circumstances.
“He has achieved a lot,”
Cr Clark said.
“Bradley has been instrumental in commencing the major change program to shift the organisation towards financial sustainability.”
Last year, the Essential Services Commission approved a 10 per cent rates increase for residents for 12 months, well above the 2.75 per cent rate cap, to address the shire’s $4 million cash shortfall.
The council had been plagued by financial woes in the past decade.
It lost $5.65 million on a failed restoration project that began in 2016 and was meant to transform a Daylesford Art Deco building into a multi-use centre for residents and the council.
The Hepburn Shire Council oversees several small communities in central Victoria. (ABC News: Patrick Rocca)
In March, local businessman David Penman, who runs the Clifftop at Hepburn tourism accommodation in the Daylesford region, filed “private prosecution” charges against long-term Hepburn Shire Councillor Don Henderson and Mr Thomas.
The matter, which is still before the courts, has been described as “a nightmare” by one of the lawyers involved.
The released charge sheets show that Mr Penman is attempting to prosecute Mr Thomas for two counts of misconduct in public office and Cr Henderson for three counts of a similar charge under local government laws.
Cr Clark said the private prosecution was just the latest challenge thrown at Mr Thomas.
He was assaulted in November last year when a resident threw a cup of coffee on him.
Stephen Schenk pleaded guilty earlier this year to unlawful assault and was fined $500 for throwing the coffee on Mr Thomas following an argument about outstanding business permits.
“I think any action like that is going to take a toll on not only the person involved, but particularly their family. I think that’s really tough,”
Cr Clark said.
Over the past three years, Hepburn Shire Council has described experiencing unprecedented levels of verbal and online abuse from members of the public.
Last year, council disabled comments on its social media account due to concerns for the safety and wellbeing of staff and councillors, who were being targeted by a small number of community members with “hostile” and “aggressive” behaviour.
Hepburn Shire said it was also forced to close local council hubs due to threatening behaviour and intimidation of frontline staff.
Common human decency
Cr Clark said abuse faced by councillors in person and online is not acceptable.
“When these individuals are attacking you, you’ve never met them, and you don’t know them, I get really concerned,” he said.
“I think, what’s happened to our common human decency?
“I encourage debate, but don’t attack the person; that’s wrong, but it’s absolutely a minority, and not a majority.“
Mr Thomas said it had been a privilege to serve the organisation.
“I want to sincerely thank councillors, past and present, for the opportunity to serve,” he said.
“I am incredibly proud of the way our staff have worked together to deliver outcomes for our community. Local government allows for meaningful and deeply important work, and I have seen first-hand the dedication, care and professionalism our people bring to the Hepburn Shire each and every day.”
Mr Thomas declined to comment on his resignation, which will take effect in August.
