‘Out of control’ Salim Mehajer wedding didn’t have council approval to land helicopters on oval

DUMPED deputy mayor Salim Mehajer did not have permission to land a squadron of helicopters on an oval during his big fat Lidcombe wedding — a move that forced dozens of kids to get out of the way.

Salim Mehajer is expected to give evidence at the inquiry next week. Picture: John Grainger

DUMPED deputy mayor Salim Mehajer did not have permission to land a squadron of helicopters on an oval during his big fat Lidcombe wedding — a move that forced dozens of kids to get out of the way.

He also didn’t have permission to close the road outside his mansion to make way for the lavish, “out of control” wedding celebrations, featuring a motorcade of luxury sports cars, a jet fly-past and hundreds of revellers.

But Auburn Council’s former general manager Mark Brisby told a public inquiry investigating the authority’s past that Mr Mehajer’s “advocates” effectively shut Frances St to traffic anyway.

Salim Mehajer’s bride Aysha prior to her lavish wedding. Picture: Instagram @nektaria

“It was what it was ... the wedding got out of control,” Mr Brisby told today’s hearing.

“The deputy mayor, as the applicant, asked for a road closure. That was refused.

“He asked for permission to land the helicopters on the oval ... and the initial response from us was no.”

Mr Mehajer, a wealthy property developer, made the mother of all entrances at his wedding celebrations — stepping from one of four choppers that swooped on Lidcombe’s Phillip Park last year — before sauntering in a white jacket and black pants to meet his new bride, Aysha.

Junior soccer matches had to be halted and youngsters scurried from the choppers’ downwash as Mr Mehajer and his entourage emerged from the sky and their pilots plonked the aircraft on the oval.

But it was the closure of Frances St that really riled locals up and Mr Brisby said Mr Mehajer’s “advocates or what I call contractors — who were supplying and running the wedding” began distributing flyers and placing traffic cones the day before the wedding “saying you can’t park here”.

Auburn Council’s former general manager Mark Brisby.

This was brought to his attention by Councillor Irene Simms and rangers were sent to investigate and “deal with the matter”.

It remains unclear how or why the wedding celebrations were allowed to proceed with Frances St so dramatically blocked to through-traffic. Police attended to oversee the event.

Mr Brisby, who left Auburn Council after it was merged with neighbouring Holroyd last month, said Mr Mehajer’s wedding heaped media scrutiny on Auburn Council.

Issues raised internally by council staff after Mr Mehajer’s wedding included “everything from concerns about an elected member doing such a thing, the media spotlight that was put on Auburn, extravagance, general negativity,” said Mr Brisby.

Despite Mr Mehajer also being refused permission to close Francis St, the road was effectively shut for the wedding celebrations a day before they began.

Mr Brisby said Mr Mehajer’s “advocates or what I call contractors” started letterbox dropping and putting out traffic cones on the street “saying you can’t park here”.

This was brought to his attention by Councillor Irene Simms and rangers were sent to investigate and “deal with the matter”.

Police and the Office of Local Government also contacted the council.

The council was suspended and the ongoing public inquiry initiated just months later amid concerns that some councillors may have financially benefited by rezoning land where they owned property. There is no suggestion they broke the law.

Mr Brisby revealed he had a close working relationship with a number of Auburn councillors, including former mayor Ronney Oueik, with whom he exchanged Christmas and birthday gifts such as chocolates and ties.

But he denied ever favouring any councillor or Auburn staff member improperly.

Mr Mehajer is expected to give evidence at the inquiry next week.