More council bullying claims Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au
Creative talents: Gemma, left, and Madisson with their Responsible Street Art Program mural on display. Picture: Gary Sissons
Taking art to the streets GRAFFITI need not be messy or offensive – but rather creative and artistic. That’s the theme behind the Responsible Street Art Program, which was launched last week. Under the program, eight students were partnered by professional mentors to develop their artistic skills and their abilities to make careers from their talents. Their impressive murals were un-
veiled on the walls of the Frankston Regional Artisans’ Network hub at 31 Beach St, Frankston. The Responsible Street Art Program is a partnership between the state government, Frankston Council, Monterey Secondary, Carrum Downs Secondary and McClelland colleges, and the artisans’ network. Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said A number of councils
around Victoria have reported a significant drop in the level of illegal graffiti following the installation of artwork, especially when the community has been actively involved. “The artworks created through the Responsible Street Art program brighten up the whole area and allow the students to see their sanctioned art displayed in public.”
MORE victims of alleged bullying at Frankston Council have come forward in the wake of last week’s revelation that five cases of bullying at council in the past two years were either fully or partially proven (‘Bullying confirmed’, The Times 1/6/15). The Times has been contacted by insiders who claim the Australian Services Union has “often represented” council employees who have complained about alleged bullying. When asked about the number of incidents involving bullying accusations over the past decade, ASU spokeswoman Priscilla Schwalger said the union will not provide any information about previous cases at council “for confidentiality reasons”. “We take it [bullying] just as seriously as council and if people are being bullied we represent them to the best of our ability,” she said. “Any bullying cases dealt with are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and all of them are a concern. We try and work with council and hope that they come to the table and try to rectify the issues.” Council released information under the Freedom of Information Act months after first being asked by The Times about bullying allegations. Frankston Council CEO Dennis Hovenden confirmed five bullying
complaints were “either fully or partially substantiated”. There have been 36 cases in two years in which the term “bullying” had been used, according to the FOI information released by council. Bullying accusations at council were made public when councillors clashed at January’s council meeting over “intimidating behaviour” between councillors. It then emerged that Cr Brian Cunial had been questioned during a WorkCover investigation over allegations of bullying towards a council staff member in 2013 (‘Councillor’s silence on WorkCover probe’, The Times 9/2/15). Cr Cunial did not return calls in early February and subsequently released a statement stating “I have never been found guilty of bullying anyone”. The ASU, while declining to comment on specific cases, said it hoped council addresses any of its members’ concerns throughout its workplace complaints process.
Budget passed RATEPAYERS will cop a 5.5 per cent rate rise after council formally adopted its 2015-16 budget. Councillors unanimously approved the budget at a council meeting last Monday (25 May). The Labor state government plans to cap Victorian councils’ future rate rises at the consumer price index with effect from 2016-17.
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