Warrnambool community, councillors divided over mayor's actions

Photos of Councillor Tony Herbert parked illegally while drinking a beer with three people in the city's main street drew the ire of some members of the community.

Fellow Warrnambool City councillors admitted they were shocked when they saw the photo but that the mayor's heart was ultimately in the right place.

Cr Sue Cassidy said she was disappointed in the mayor's decision-making on the night.

"It is disappointing because it doesn't reflect well on council and it reflects badly on all of us," she said.

"It's a stressful time for everyone and there's certainly been grey areas when it comes to the stage three restrictions, and talking to business owners is part of the role as mayor especially at this time.

"I must admit I can't believe he parked in the wrong direction on main street, it's really not a good look."

Cr Cassidy said it was more important than ever for the community to have faith in the council's leadership.

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"We are leaders and people look to us for leadership. Laws were broken and it does make me wonder how we move forward to continue our messaging to the community when they might be thinking well if you don't do it, then why should we?"

"In the last few weeks there's been some good things happening - such as the parking and the May public holiday and this puts a cloud over everything which is very disappointing.

"But we councillors are here, we are accessible on our phones and we still have the strong message for people to stay home, stay safe and keep their distance."

Cr Michael Neoh said people's reactions to the photos were not unfounded.

"I think when you're in public office there's a higher level of scrutiny as there should be as leaders of our community," he said.

"I think Tony is aware that he did a few things that were silly and I think the best thing for him to do is come out and say he made silly mistakes and we'll leave the investigation to run its course.

"I think its hard for the community to reconcile when the community have been asked to take into account certain measures, then on other hand there is some inconsistencies with the stage three restrictions.

"Not that I'm justifying what happened, but I can't go fishing in the middle of a river yet I can go into a shopping complex and buy non-essential goods.

"But all that aside the expectations are very high now given the number of deaths and Warrnambool is doing great so we must be sure to be vigilant.

"From now on I think Tony understands the community expects more from its leaders."

Cr Robert Anderson admitted while he wasn't on Facebook he was aware of the photographs and the strong reactions to them.

"It as a shock, it's pretty hard when he was out preaching for people to stay home when you're out yourself," he said.

"It's probably not a good look, especially after the chap in New South Wales going to his holiday home and then resigning, but like all towns across Australia we are keeping the community safe and encouraging everyone to stay home."

Cr David Owen said the online response was a "huge overreaction".

"Obviously Tony should have parked the car in a more legal manner but it's an overreaction," he said.

"If you know Tony you would know he is very social and very concerned about the local traders in this town. Someone called him over to discuss how they were doing in business and being the thoughtful mayor he is he absentmindedly pulled over and had a conversation.

"Who took the photo and whether he is being stalked or not is what concerns me more."

He said the mayor didn't do the right thing but his heart was in the right place.

"He's not above the law and it appears Tony might have broken a couple but he's got a big heart and he was devastated by the outcome of what was a conversation and a beer."

The story drew a mixed reaction from the community:

"Maybe if he'd parked appropriately no-one would have even noticed him" - Claire Pritchard

"Stick your stones in your pocket, step out of your glass house and be thankful we have a mayor that is human, that accepts he made a mistake and doesn't hide behind pretend moral high ground and battle those making a difference" - Chris Toone

"Not condoning his action, but poor form from whoever took the photo" - Murtle McLeod

"Tony is human too, he obviously had no ill intentions. He took the opportunity to show his support to local business owners with an innocent beer on his way home from the shops" - Mia Paddon

"People are sitting at home not being able to see loved ones etc. and here's our mayor breaking the rules it's making a mockery of all the sacrifices the rest of us are making under Covid 19 restrictions" - Hannah Honeysett

"Yes he has done the wrong thing but at least he cares on how our town is fairing" - Paul McMahon

"He told ratepayers to step up self isolation measures hours later he broke COVID-19 requirements and other laws no excuses if this was the premier or prime minister everyone would be telling them to resign and demanding they be fined" - Ethan Lewis

"For those who don't know Tony, before he was mayor he was involved with the hospitality industry for many years including owning venues in Warrnambool. He knows what an important part the hospitality industry plays in a town like Warrnambool and is very passionate about it" - Joshua Williams

"He has crossed double lines to park facing oncoming traffic, both illegal to do so, drinking in the CBD and totally ignoring COVID-19 laws. I have been alone this Easter period and couldn't visit my family in Footscray due to lockdown laws and now we have the leader of this fine town doing the opposite to what he was preaching earlier in the week... throw the book at him" - Rajeep Manndeep

"If you want a community to be behind you lead by example" - Leanne Adebisi

Cr Kylie Gaston was contacted by The Standard for comment.

Victoria Police added no further comment to the ongoing investigation.

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