Police investigate mayor Emilia Sterjova’s vehicle after alleged hit-run
Fresh controversy has emerged out of Whittlesea Council with police launching an investigation into a vehicle belonging to newly elected mayor Emilia Sterjova. It’s just the latest in a string of incidents that have marred the council.
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Police are investigating an alleged hit-run incident involving the official vehicle of Whittlesea Council’s mayor.
The Leader understands Mayor Emilia Sterjova was behind the wheel when her Hyundai Santa Fe swiped another vehicle while reversing out of a parking bay at Epping Plaza last month. The driver is then alleged to have fled the scene.
The fresh controversy comes amid a month of turmoil for the council.
Greek community leaders were outraged with a social media picture post by Cr Sterjova of her dancing with a “culturally offensive” Star of Vergina Macedonian flag at a community event on December 8.
Greek leaders called for Cr Sterjova to resign or apologise for the “inappropriate” use of an ancient Hellenic symbol.
And The Leader can reveal the council has authorised Cr Sterjova to hire an external PR company to handle her communications, with ratepayers expected to foot the bill. The mayor has traditionally used the council’s internal communications team.
A monitor has also been appointed by the State Government to oversee issues and decisions at the embattled council following last week’s controversial axing of Simon Overland as chief executive. The former police chief commissioner — a key witness at the Lawyer X Royal Commission — had announced on November 20 he would be taking indefinite leave, citing “health and safety” reasons and “difficult” working conditions.
Epping Sergeant Andy Faulkner confirmed there was an investigation into a vehicle with the same registration as the council’s mayoral vehicle.
But Sgt Faulkner could not comment further as the matter was ongoing.
In a written statement issued by Cr Sterjova in response to questions from The Leader, she apologised for “any inconvenience caused to the other motorist”.
“I was recently made aware that my car had been involved in a minor scratch in the carpark of Pacific Epping,” she said. “I am working through the required process with council office.”
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Acting chief executive Kelvin Spiller said he was not in a position to comment on the matter.
The new mayor also made headlines in 2017 when she lost control of her car and ploughed into a tree while driving home from a function in rural Victoria.