by Emma Ballingall
Claims of bullying, appalling behaviour and a "boys' club" mentality have been made against Baw Baw Shire councillors.
Mayor Annemarie McCabe used her final mayoral minute to air her allegations and urge residents to know "who the candidates really are" and "disregard those who are stuck in the past" before voting in next month's local government elections.
Wednesday was council's final meeting before going into caretaker period once the election is underway; and it appeared respectful in the chamber despite the evident frustrations of two tied votes.
However, Cr McCabe ended the four-hour meeting by reading a `mic drop' statement - including allegations of bullying, disrespect and harassment.
"When I became a councillor in 2020, I felt there was certainly an element of a boys' club," Cr McCabe said. "In my opinion, women were not respected and it was unprofessional and, at times, a hostile environment. Not a lot has changed over the four years."
"I have seen first hand and been subjected to appalling behaviour that would never be tolerated in a workplace," she said.
Cr McCabe applauded changes to the Local Government Act to ensure such behaviour would be dealt with rigorously in the future.
She said councillors who refused necessary professional development or programs to improve outcomes would be "compelled to participate."
"Self centred attitudes that are dysfunctional and disruptive will not be tolerated," Cr McCabe added. "And avoiding misconduct hearings by not showing up will be dealt with." 

She also warned individual councillors could be dismissed by the Local Gove