Stonnington Mayor Cr Melina Sehr obtained a Personal Safety Intervention Order against Council Watch president Dean Hurlston over his publications concerning her and Stonnington Council.

Stonnington CEO Dale Dickson publicly said the decision provided:

“clarity” about the line between fair commentary and targeted ridicule.

Mr Hurlston appealed.

In June 2026, the County Court granted leave for his appeal to proceed.

Yet on 3 September 2026, while that appeal remained unresolved, the VLGA awarded Cr Sehr the Mary Rogers Award, praising her advocacy for councillor safety and saying women should be able to participate:

“safely and without fear.”

Fifteen days later, Mr Hurlston won his appeal.

On 18 September 2026, the County Court set the intervention order aside.

The Court found his publications were primarily motivated by concerns about Stonnington Council governance and said:

“That sort of fear, however, is not the same as a fear for one’s safety.”

The Court also affirmed:

“The personal integrity of politicians… is a legitimate subject for news and current affairs.”

🔎 WE CALL FOR:

1️⃣ Cr Melina Sehr to stand down as Mayor.

2️⃣ Cr Sehr to return the Mary Rogers Award.

3️⃣ VLGA to review and withdraw the award.

4️⃣ Cr Sehr, Stonnington Council and VLGA to correct the public record and apologise to Mr Hurlston where their statements are inconsistent with the final judgment.

Women deserve safety. The public deserves accountability.