Division overshadows Residents 3000 AGM as new committee elected

Tensions were high at the Residents 3000 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Kelvin Club on October 2, as members gathered to elect a new general committee following weeks of internal controversy.

The meeting took place amid an ongoing feud between president and City of Melbourne councillor Rafael Camillo and former secretary Merle Willis, whose September email to members accused Cr Camillo of orchestrating a “political takeover” of the residents’ group.

Ms Willis, who was removed as secretary in August, claimed her dismissal was politically motivated and “not based on the rules of the association”. Committee vice-president Sue Saunders denied the allegations, saying the claims were Ms Willis’s “alone” and did not reflect the wider committee’s position.

Despite the backdrop of conflict, the AGM proceeded with the presentation of annual reports from the president and treasurer before opening the floor to questions. Members raised concerns about transparency, representation and conduct within the group.

“This committee has seen the departure of not one, not two, but three of its members over the past 18 months,” one member said. “Will future model rules include a code of conduct?”

Others questioned whether the group adequately represented the city’s growing diversity. “Where are the international students? Where are the younger demographic?” one attendee asked. 

Cr Camillo reiterated that his role did not present a conflict of interest, stating, “The City of Melbourne has confirmed that my conflict is not material. I don’t receive a salary for Residents 3000.”

Despite calls for reform and greater accountability, the subsequent election drew frustration from some attendees after it was revealed that 12 nominations had been received for 12 available positions, making the vote a formality. “What is this an election for – just a vote to accept?” one member asked, as murmurs spread through the room.

Some also questioned whether all nominees lived within the 3000 postcode, but the motion to elect was carried.

As tensions eased over post-meeting refreshments, Cr Camillo urged unity. “We are a small group; we have to work together,” he told members.

However, others left unconvinced. “Nothing has changed, and nothing will change,” one attendee remarked as the evening drew to a close.

With a new committee now in place, the challenge for Residents 3000 will be to restore trust, rebuild engagement, and demonstrate that it can rise above internal divisions to represent the city’s residents with one collective voice. •