By Ruza Zivkusic
FOR the first time this year Brimbank City councillors went about their business without any interruptions during a recent council meeting.
With a reputation of being fiery, rowdy and sometimes violent, the last meeting that was held at the Victorian Croquet Club in Cairnlea two weeks ago, was anything but ordinary being described by one councillor as having a “family atmosphere” to it.
There were no bitter comments from the gallery and councillors who were all there except councillor Ken Capar, who is on personal leave until the end of this month, went politely about their business.
Brimbank CEO Marilyn Duncan was also absent as she was on annual leave and was due to return Monday last week.
It might have been the light setting in the room that relaxed the 20 residents and councillors, making them feel at ease – especially as they got to see the sunset through the large windows during the meeting that lasted one and a half hours.
Or, it could have been the standard chairs that councillors were sitting on, facing the public gallery and Brimbank City Council mayor Natalie Suleyman not wearing the mayor’s black robe, which was at the dry cleaners, she said.
“I think the environment has a bit to do with it as well,” Cairnlea resident Anna Muszak said.
“I loved it there, it was so relaxing. I think it (the peacefulness) actually flowed through everybody,” she said.
Councillor Margaret Giudice said being guests at a new facility affected councillors and the visitors.
“Really, we didn’t have one word said from the audience, which was excellent,” Cr Giudice said.
The only sound the public made was when Cr Suleyman during the public question time responded to a question why Cr Capar was absent from the meeting, saying it was because of “personal reasons”.
Her comments were followed by a loud “Mmmmm” from the gallery.
There was no grandstanding or patronising from either side, Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association President Darlene Reilly said.
“They were on their best behaviour because they were out of their comfort zone,” Ms Reilly said.
But Cr Suleyman said most of the council meetings were quiet.
“I was quite happy and impressed by the meeting because it gave us an opportunity to hear one another and also have a fruitful debate. That is really what open democracy is in Victoria,” Cr Suleyman said.
For the past few months council meetings have been held at different venues in the municipality so the wider community could get a chance to attend the meetings, she said.
“I believe it really does give the residents an opportunity to come and meet their councillors and also see how council decisions are made,” Cr Suleyman said.
