Cr Sarah Ndiaye, Mullumbimby
Thank you, awesome women (and men), who walked out.
I’d like to say an enormous thankyou to everyone who got up and walked out of the gallery when John Anderson, aka Fastbuck$, persisted with his abhorrent behaviour in the council chambers last Thursday – particularly those who called it what it was.
Others stepped in while we all waited for the police to arrive and take him away so we could resume the meeting. He had only just been allowed back after having to apologise for being abusive to another councillor.
He has caused great stress and anxiety for many; not just I and others in the chamber expressed how unsafe he makes them feel. The walkout felt very supportive.
In this day and age no-one should have to put up with this, anywhere – especially while carrying out their role. We need safe workplaces, even for councillors, and his ongoing behaviour has been disgraceful.
Some of those who walked out were people who object to my position on a particular issue, but they could recognise how inappropriate his misconduct is. That takes emotional intelligence and empathy; I’m particularly grateful to them.
Many thanks.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
