Council
9 December, 2025
Ex-councillors back findings in monitor’s review of HRCC
Former Horsham Rural City Council representatives, including four-term mayor Robyn Gulline and ex-councillor David Bowe, have commented on the municipal monitor's report by Stephen Kinshott.
The report followed an investigation initiated after complaints were submitted to the local government inspectorate regarding issues such as poor governance and the late submission of the budget.
"I thought the monitor’s report was a fair and honest assessment of the challenges faced by Horsham Rural City Council, and I encourage all community members to read the 15-page report for themselves," Ms Gulline said.
"Governance pressures, internal strain, and shifts in leadership created uncertainty that affected both the council and the wider community," Mr Bowe said.
"The release of the municipal monitor’s report marks an important moment for Horsham Rural City Council and our community."
Both councillors were elected in 2020 alongside Crs Penny Flynn, Claudia Haenel, Les Power, and Ian Ross.
Cr Bob Redden was elected in 2022 following the resignation of Cr Di Bell and passed away in August 2024.
Ms Gulline went on to say that the independent review had concluded that the investigation found the 2024 budget delay was technology-related, confirming what she and then-chief executive Sunil Bhalla had stated publicly.
She also addressed claims about missing council funds.
"While funds had been shuffled between projects, no money was found to be missing," she said.
Mr Kingshott addressed the council's handling of workplace complaints and claims of racist behaviour towards Mr Bhalla.
Ms Gulline said she noted that the monitor's report stated that the council’s management of formal workplace complaints was appropriate and that there were no findings against the former CEO.
“[However], there was evidence of racist behaviour towards the former CEO,” she said.
“Racism is never OK.
The former mayor went on to say that the 'Ways of Working Charter' adopted by the current council was a good idea.
"Respecting and valuing differing opinions is the essence of true leadership," she said.
Ms Gulline said she was horrified to read in the monitor's report that some of the new councillor group’s behaviour was described as the 'worst seen'.
"This is appalling and totally unacceptable from any elected community leaders,” she said.
Ms Gulline questioned where the public outrage and condemnation of this behaviour were, and why there had been no calls for the resignation from those who relentlessly attacked her, the former CEO, and the former council in print and on social media.
"Their silence is deafening," she said.
"But even more concerning is why there has been no public statement or apology to either those who experienced this behaviour or to the broader community?
"Integrity matters. Our community deserves better.”
Ms Gulline noted she was proud of the former council for the many projects it had delivered for the benefit and enjoyment of the municipality for decades to come, including the riverfront redevelopment, new Hamilton St Pedestrian Bridge, new netball pavilion and courts, new events stage, new Aquatic Centre accessible changerooms, numerous public toilet refurbishments, extensive sealed shared walking and bike paths, sealing of kilometres of rural roads, widening of strategic roads for rural freight, development of several community reference group led precinct plans, purchase of a new council depot site and so many more achievements despite interpersonal conflicts.
Mr Bowe said that the monitor's report had shown that when trust, communication, and organisational culture are challenged, the whole organisation suffers.
"At the same time, the report highlights a willingness to rebuild, the current council’s commitment to induction, training, and careful decision-making demonstrates that renewal is possible,” he said.
“Six new councillors stepped into a steep learning curve, yet their genuine effort and respectful engagement have been encouraging.
Mr Bowe said he welcomed the appointment of the new CEO, Gail Gatt, and the practical steps toward stronger governance and a healthier culture, which were all practical steps forward.
"I look forward to staying involved, listening, and contributing wherever I can to help Horsham continue to grow and thrive," he said.