The Wombat Post is published by the Daylesford District Community News Association (DDCNA), an incorporated not-for-profit governed by a volunteer board and editorial committee. Editorial decisions are made collectively by the committee under our editorial policy, which is published here and includes standing arrangements for declaring and managing conflicts of interest.
Recent public commentary has suggested that a member of our editorial committee, Mark Rak, has used his position to improperly influence the Post’s coverage of Hepburn Shire Council. That suggestion is false. Mr. Rak’s relationship with Cr Lesley Hewitt is declared and has always been known to the committee. Consistent with our policy, he does not take part in editorial decisions directly concerning Cr Hewitt or any matters where a direct conflict of interest could arise; like every member, he participates in the committee’s collective decisions on community matters of public importance. Cr Hewitt has no role in the editorial committee for The Wombat Post or the Board of the DDCNA.
Mr. Rak is a valued volunteer who has acted properly at all times, and he has the board’s full confidence.
The Wombat Post’s coverage of Council will continue to be determined by the editorial committee on its merits, in accordance with the published policy. Questions about our editorial standards are welcome at admin@thewombatpost.com.au.
