Reflecting on the extraordinary experience of the past year (Clifftop at Hepburn properties allegedly installed without permission, prompting council dispute – ABC News) and its impact on individual Councillors and their families, Council officers including the former CEO, the operation of Council and the broader community, one issue remains for all of us to consider — how we disagree with each other.
The events surrounding the five Councillors who were stood down following criminal charges and subsequently struck out in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 5 August 2026, are now on the public record. Criminal charges are serious matters and, quite properly, there are legal processes to deal with them.
But disagreement with Council decisions is something quite different.
There is nothing wrong with strongly disagreeing with a Council decision. Councillors will not always agree with each other, and residents certainly will not always agree with Councillors. That is democracy.
What concerned me was the piling on of commentary suggesting that because Councillors made decisions, or Council officers acted in ways with which people disagreed, this somehow demonstrated corruption or wrongdoing. It is a serious step from saying, “I disagree with that decision,” to saying, “There must be something corrupt about it.” We need to be careful about that distinction.
Social media can be a valuable way of communicating, but it can also become a great big echo chamber. An assertion is made, others repeat it, and before long it can take on the appearance of fact simply because it has been repeated often enough. That isn’t healthy debate.
I understand that many residents feel Council doesn’t listen. So how do we make our voices heard? There are many ways. You can: Read the Council papers. Ask questions. Contact your Councillors. Talk to Council officers. Make submissions. Come to Council meetings and participate in consultations. If you believe a decision is wrong, explain why and put forward an alternative. And if, after four years, you believe your Councillors have done a poor job, democracy provides a powerful answer: stand for Council yourself, support someone you believe would do better, or vote for somebody else.
Councillors should be scrutinised, challenged and held accountable. But accountability is strongest when based on facts, evidence and fair discussion — not assumptions, personal attacks or social media speculation.
Since returning to Council, I have enjoyed attending Words in Winter, again a wonderful showcase of our community’s creativity. Congratulations to Festival Director Devon Taylor, the Committee and the many volunteers who made it happen.
Looking ahead, the Victorian State Election provides an opportunity to advocate for an issue important to our committee — the future of Daylesford Hospital.
Many residents will remember the Daylesford Hospital Community Upgrade Committee, when the community raised around $120,000 in just six to eight weeks to develop a Masterplan designed to be delivered in stages.
One priority now is stronger Urgent Care capability. Hospital attendances have increased, while Ballarat’s Emergency Department is under significant pressure.
The Hospital Community Upgrade Committee recently met with Liberal candidate for Macedon, Kate Kendall, to discuss the proposal. The next stage of the hospital vision requires approximately $10–$12 million. Regardless of political persuasion, this is something our community should advocate for. Strong communities don’t require everyone to think alike. They require us to listen, participate, disagree respectfully — and work together when it matters.
