Steve Stefanopoulos: Mayor dumped, five new councillors to join after Stonnington elections

Stonnington’s controversial mayor has been dumped by voters in the council’s elections, ending his three-year stint in the role. And he’s not the only councillor out of a job.

Former Stonnington mayor Steve Stefanopoulos, pictured at Prahran Market earlier this year, has failed in his re-election bid. Picture: Andy Brownbill

An inner city mayor caught up in controversies for expanding his office and allegedly abusing burger shop staff has been dumped from council.

Former Stonnington mayor Steve Stefanopoulos and two other veteran councillors failed in their bids for re-election following the release of results by the VEC on Thursday.

Cr Stefanopoulos had been mayor since late 2017 and was part of a tight knit block voting group of five councillors including Melina Sehr, Jami Klisaris, Matthew Kose and retiring veteran John Chandler.

The group has been eroded to three with only Cr Sehr, Cr Klisaris and Cr Kose re-elected, along with fellow incumbent Marcia Griffin.

Stonnington councillor Marcia Griffin is one of four who have been re-elected. Picture: Hamish Blair

Two other incumbents, Sally Davis and Judy Hindle, were also unsuccessful at the ballot box.

Five new faces are set to join the council, including independents Kate Hely and Nicki Batagol, Greens candidates Polly Morgan and Mike Scott, and Liberal Alexander Lew.

Greens candidate Mike Scott, who recently raised concerns about rubbish at Windsor Siding Park, has been elected to Stonnington Council. Screenshot of Facebook video.

Cr Stefanopoulos posted a farewell message on his councillor Facebook page on Thursday, thanking family and friends for their support.

Notably, he only gave well wishes to members of the voting block and Ms Batagol.

Outgoing Stonnington councillor Steve Stefanopoulos accepted the VEC's results on his Facebook page.

“I wish my wonderful friends (and former colleagues) Crs Jami Klisaris, Matthew Koce and Melina Sehr best wishes for an exciting 4 years ahead. They have my full support.

“I also wish to congratulate Nicki Batagol, a former citizen of the year, best wishes. She will be an excellent independent representative for the residents of South Ward.

“She too has my full support. Onwards and upwards!”

Cr Stefanopoulos came under fire earlier this year after the council approved a $102,000 expansion of his office so he could meet with more guests.

He also got the ire of residents after he distributed an unauthorised six-page newsletter in his ward, which contained 23 pictures of himself.

The council declared it was not an official publication and Leader understands the Local Government Inspectorate is investigating the matter.

In July, Cr Stefanopoulos was accused of an “aggressive” outburst towards junior staff at Grill’d Malvern who weren’t wearing face masks.

The incident occurred before the State Government enforced compulsory mask wear rules, and Cr Stefanopoulos later apologised to the store’s staff for his behaviour.

The new council will be sworn in at Malvern Town Hall on November 9, with a new mayor to be elected on November 23.