In short:
A third protest against Wyndham mayor Preet Singh will be held in Truganina on 26 April, marking the first demonstration in his Bemin ward. The crisis escalates further with a no confidence motion scheduled for 27 April as pressure mounts across Wyndham.
Wyndham Advertiser
Third Protest Planned as Crisis Carries on
A third protest calling on Wyndham mayor Preet Singh to resign will be held on 26 April at 2pm, as pressure intensifies over a leadership crisis now entering its fourth week.
The rally is set for Mainview Park in Truganina, at the corner of Vibrandia Grove and Tylden Way, marking the first protest staged within Cr Singh’s own Bemin ward.
The standoff shows no sign of easing, with Cr Singh refusing to formally step down despite all ten of his fellow councillors renouncing him and calling for his resignation.
Two earlier protests have each drawn crowds of more than 100 people, with demonstrators demanding he quit office.
Deputy mayor Jasmine Hill has performed mayoral duties since 2 April while he considers his position.
The crisis centres on a character reference Cr Singh provided in April 2024 for a man who was later convicted of child sex offences.
The reference formed part of standard sentencing material before the courts, but its contents have triggered broader political and community backlash, raising questions about judgement, leadership standards and public confidence.
Cr Singh has acknowledged the decision, stating: “I provided the character reference in April 2024, prior to Mr Patel pleading guilty.
“On reflection I accept that this showed very poor judgment. Any offences of this nature are never acceptable and I acknowledge the distress Mr Patel’s actions must have caused for his victims.”
On 31 March, the reference went viral, revealing further details of the letter bearing his Justice of the Peace signature.
In the letter, Singh acknowledged Patel’s actions, writing that he was “extremely regretful for what he has done” and describing the offending as a “one-off event.”
He has also said the reference was provided under pressure, claiming Mr Patel threatened self-harm.
There is no suggestion Cr Singh was involved in any offending, and the provision of character references is a routine part of judicial proceedings.
Amid the ongoing turmoil, the Allan Labor Government has yet to provide any update on the monitor it previously said it would appoint to oversee governance at Wyndham.
The political pressure is set to escalate further, with three councillors calling an unscheduled council meeting for 6pm on 27 April to consider a motion of no confidence in the mayor.
The move follows weeks of protests, a united call from all ten fellow councillors for him to step down, and an ongoing leadership deadlock that continues to grip Wyndham Council.
