A DEFEATED Loddon councillor has claimed “independently thinking women” faced conspiracy accusations on council.
Wendy Murphy, unsuccessful in gaining a second term as Inglewood Ward member, says she represented all in the ward and Loddon “not just mates with their interests in mind”.
“I hope the next council truly has the best interests of all of Loddon in mind and not just their own personal agendas,” Mrs Murphy said.
“I hope the focus is on the big issues that could have big impacts on Loddon, not the menial things that have no impact at all.
“Unfortunately, it seems two independently thinking women cannot independently reach a common position or support each other the way men do without being accused of conspiring in some way.”
Mrs Murphy was elected to council in 2020 and last November lost a bid to be mayor when nominated by Linda Jungwirth, who was defeated in Tarnagulla Ward at the council elections.
Cr Gavan Holt emerged victor with a 3-2 split vote.
Mrs Murphy made the comments after Friday’s declaration of the election in a statement and letter to the Loddon Herald.
Inglewood Ward was won by Miki Wilson after preferences in a three-way race that included former councillor Colleen Condliffe. Mrs Murphy has ruled out running in the future.
“I’ve had my time. I value the experience I was provided and encourage anyone interested to nominate in the future. You’ll probably find what you thought being a councillor is, is nothing like the reality of being a councillor,” she said.
“Being a councillor is a privilege not a career. I’m proud of what I achieved.”
She cited moving forward the Inglewood Streetscape project, beginning the Inglewood Community Sports Centre Masterplan process, sealing of Southey St and Deeble St and drainage works, advocating for reduced speed limits in Inglewood and Wedderburn and advocating for a pedestrian crossing in Wedderburn “putting Bridgewater back on the map and highlighting the values of the town at the council table” as achievements. “I can hold my head high knowing I interrogated every report and piece of information put in front of me and drew on conversations with my community to form a decision.
“I represented all in the Inglewood Ward and Loddon (not just mates) with their interests in mind, putting personal opinions aside, as a councillor should. 
“I’ve been open, transparent and truthful. In my term I got many things done, much of which wasn’t reported on with a lot of what was done being in the background that people don’t see or hear.  “I thank those who took the time to make contact and have discussions with me not just join the vitriol spewed over Facebook or send nasty anonymous letters.”
Mrs Murphy also had criticism for the Loddon Herald questioning “every comment and decision I made. Always bringing up my employment or some irrelevant detail to imply an ulterior motive”.
Cr Holt told last Friday’s poll declaration that councillors were the most scrutinised people in Loddon Shire.