Latest news with #Sehr
The Age
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Stonnington mayor takes out court order banning council watchdog from demeaning online posts
The head of a prolific council watchdog has been hit with an intervention order after the mayor of Stonnington Council sought protections for alleged online abuse and harassment. Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz granted the interim public safety order on Tuesday after a long-running feud between Council Watch president Dean Hurlston and Stonnington mayor Melina Sehr escalated following the local government elections last October. An affidavit by Sehr, part of which was aired in Melbourne Magistrates' Court, alleged that Hurlston used pseudonyms to contact her and her then-employer, which she claimed led to her losing her job. A Facebook post also accused Sehr of using the recent death of her mother to dodge media inquiries. Sehr said she had been suffering from anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and had lost income following 'an unrelenting stream of mockery, belittlement and abuse, together with a constant stream of criticism, ridicule and misogynistic attacks'. Council Watch is a long-running association that positions itself as a self-styled local government watchdog, managing Facebook groups that discuss council matters in different municipalities across Victoria. Hurlston's partner, Joe Gianfriddo, served as Stonnington mayor before Sehr. Gianfriddo lost at last year's council elections in a one-on-one battle against councillor Jami Klisaris, an ally of Sehr. Sehr first applied for an interim intervention order against Hurlston in January, but this was refused. The matter returned to court this month after Sehr collated new material for the magistrate to consider. Sehr, a councillor for 23 years, gave evidence about the impacts on her of a now-deleted post on Stonnington Council Watch that accused her of weaponising the death of her mother.
Sydney Morning Herald
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Stonnington mayor takes out court order banning council watchdog from demeaning online posts
The head of a prolific council watchdog has been hit with an intervention order after the mayor of Stonnington Council sought protections for alleged online abuse and harassment. Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz granted the interim public safety order on Tuesday after a long-running feud between Council Watch president Dean Hurlston and Stonnington mayor Melina Sehr escalated following the local government elections last October. An affidavit by Sehr, part of which was aired in Melbourne Magistrates' Court, alleged that Hurlston used pseudonyms to contact her and her then-employer, which she claimed led to her losing her job. A Facebook post also accused Sehr of using the recent death of her mother to dodge media inquiries. Sehr said she had been suffering from anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and had lost income following 'an unrelenting stream of mockery, belittlement and abuse, together with a constant stream of criticism, ridicule and misogynistic attacks'. Council Watch is a long-running association that positions itself as a self-styled local government watchdog, managing Facebook groups that discuss council matters in different municipalities across Victoria. Hurlston's partner, Joe Gianfriddo, served as Stonnington mayor before Sehr. Gianfriddo lost at last year's council elections in a one-on-one battle against councillor Jami Klisaris, an ally of Sehr. Sehr first applied for an interim intervention order against Hurlston in January, but this was refused. The matter returned to court this month after Sehr collated new material for the magistrate to consider. Sehr, a councillor for 23 years, gave evidence about the impacts on her of a now-deleted post on Stonnington Council Watch that accused her of weaponising the death of her mother.
Express Tribune
03-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz orders action on gas supply issues during sehri and iftar
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has intervened to address the ongoing issues of gas supply disruptions during sehri and iftar in the month of Ramadan, directing immediate action to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted flow of gas during critical hours. In a late-night emergency meeting, the prime minister convened discussions with the managing directors and senior management of SSGC and SNGPL to address the issues of low gas pressure and disruptions in service, Express News reported. As a result of the meeting, Sui Southern Gas Company announced a 10% increase in gas pressure to ensure better delivery during peak hours. Additionally, gas supply to areas located at the end of distribution networks will begin 30 to 45 minutes before sehri and iftar, helping to improve pressure in these regions. To further monitor the situation, Sui Southern announced the establishment of control rooms at both the head office and regional offices. These rooms will oversee the daily gas supply situation, ensuring that complaints related to low pressure are promptly addressed and resolved on an emergency basis. Meanwhile, SNGPL also pledged to adhere to the prime minister's directives, assuring citizens that the gas supply during sehri and iftar hours would be maintained without fail. They urged the public to report any issues through the 1199 helpline for immediate resolution. Yesterday, residents of various areas in Karachi faced significant difficulties due to disruptions in gas supply during Iftar time. According to reports, areas including Liaquatabad B Area, Liaquatabad 4, Federal Capital Area, and North Nazimabad have been without gas supply, causing inconvenience for residents. Additionally, parts of Nazimabad, PIB Colony, and various blocks of Gulshan-e-Iqbal are also experiencing interruptions in gas services. However, a spokesperson for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has denied claims regarding the gas outages. The spokesperson stated that gas supply is functioning normally, with 95% of the areas receiving gas. He acknowledged that there are complaints from the remaining 5% of areas. Residents continue to express frustration over the timing of these disruptions, particularly during the crucial Iftar period. Before Ramadan, SSGC had announced the gas load-shedding schedule for the holy month while ensuring uninterrupted supply during Sehr and Iftar hours. Under the schedule, gas supply remained uninterrupted from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm and from 3:00 am to 9:00 am to accommodate Sehr and Iftar needs. However, consumers experienced gas supply suspension from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and again from 10:00 pm to 3:00 am.
