By Laura Michell
Tensions between Whittlesea’s Macedonian and Greek communities has resulted in security guards being hired for council meetings.
Security staff were on hand for the council’s meeting earlier this month, with at least five guards patrolling outside the council chamber.
A group of Macedonian residents attended the meeting, gathering outside the council chamber with a flag bearing the Vergina Sun symbol prior to the start of the meeting.
The group said they were attending the meeting in support of mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova, who came under fire from sections of the Greek community late last year after posting a photo to Facebook showing her dancing with a flag featuring the symbol.
The Vergina Sun was the subject of controversy when it was used on the national flag of the newly-independent Republic of Macedonia in the 1990s.
The symbol is considered to be part of Greek culture. The flag was changed in the mid-1990s.
In December, a large number of people from the Greek and Macedonian communities attended the council meeting, where a protest had been planned.
A man in his 20s was allegedly assaulted at a restaurant in South Morang following the meeting.
Council spokesman Dean Jenkins said the council hired security for its February 4 meeting after it became aware there may be a large crowd planning to attend the meeting.
“Council engaged security staff to ensure the meeting could run smoothly,” he said.
“We will liaise with police on a case-by-case basis as to what security is required for any future meetings.”
Cr Lawrie Cox said the presence of security at council meetings was directly related to the alleged assault after the December council meeting.
“We can’t just look away,” he said. “We should condemn any violence associated with it.”
