By Cameron Lucadou-Wells
FORMER Greater Dandenong councillor Pinar Yesil is seeking legal advice to fight her shock dumping from the council.
A ‘‘saddened’’ Ms Yesil said she had been visiting Turkey since July 3 at the
request of her family because of ‘‘urgent health issues in my family’’.
She said she informed Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie she would
be on leave until the end of August.
‘‘I also asked the the CEO to advise me should there be any issues with my
request.’’
This morning, Mr Bennie confirmed Ms Yesil’s seven-year councillor tenure had
ended because of a breach under the Local Government Act. He said Ms Yesil had
missed four consecutive ordinary council meetings without a leave of absence.
Ms Yesil said she believed she had ‘‘taken the necessary steps to comply’’
with the act.
‘‘I am currently seeking legal advice on my appeal rights,’’ she said.
‘‘I hope that common sense applies and I am afforded natural justice.’’
She said she had not intended to renominate in next month’s council election.
