Aspiring Lismore councillor Sally Flannery pulls out of election contention, citing ‘toxic’ democratic environment

She has called on Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock, the Office for Local Government and Independent Commission Against Corruption to “formally investigate the toxic culture” within Lismore’s local democratic processes.

Prospective Lismore councillor Sally Flannery. Supplied

A Lismore woman, who has rescinded her decision to run for council this year, has launched a petition calling for a formal investigation into the “toxic” local democratic environment.

Sally Flannery, a marketing agency manager, has previously shared claims of a toxic, abusive reaction to her decision to run for council.

Ms Flannery has launched a petition which has called on Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock, the Office for Local Government and Independent Commission Against Corruption to “formally investigate the toxic culture and inappropriate and destructive influences” within Lismore’s local democratic processes.

“Our community is facing an extreme situation and we’re calling collectively for it to be formally investigated so democratic balance can be restored and our community can thrive and not be subject to toxic, inappropriate influence,” she wrote.

Ms Flannery took to social media to announce her decision to rescind her nomination for the September election.

“This decision does not come lightly,” Ms Flannery wrote.

“When I decided to run, it was after watching council meetings religiously for over a year, attending briefings, reading business papers and making a really considered and thoughtful decision about whether I could balance my almost full time work and council responsibilities.

“I knew there would be difficulties and negative aspects involved with running, but I didn’t expect the extremity or the emotional toll they would take.

“I’ve been fairly vocal about the negative aspects I’ve faced – from having my front door smashed, my mailbox stolen and my house broken into multiple times to the blatant threats, defamatory posts, being followed and even while walking down the street having someone on the phone behind me telling someone which way I was walking.

“My work has been targeted, rumours spread maliciously (and very falsely) … as well as rocks thrown at my window and dozens of demeaning and inciting posts.”

Ms Flannery said her aspiration was to be “a positive voice for change” if elected.

“I’ve considered myself a community activist for some time but thought having a seat at the table of local government would be a powerful way to extend that,” she said.

“I didn’t expect the sheer viciousness of certain people and the emotional toll that would have on me also.

“I’ve felt quite strong through it considering but the reality is I’ve had to change major parts of my life as a result like taking anxiety medication for the first time … putting in security measures to my home, getting a housemate, having someone on the phone when I walk down the street at night and always looking over my shoulder / checking someone isn’t in my house.

“I feel like the weight of all that negativity is finally catching up with me and I’m starting to feel less happy about just going through life on a day-to-day basis.

“Running for council is one thing but it feels like running for council in Lismore is like preparing for battle.

“What once felt exciting and inspiring now feels exhausting and daunting.”