November 30th, 2025CEO coffee assault condemned by council

Hepburn Shire Council has condemned an attack on CEO Bradley Thomas where a cup of coff ee was thrown at him outside a Daylesford cafe on November 19.
The matter has been referred to the police who are investigating. At its November 25 meeting, the council passed an urgent motion condemning the attack, reaffi rming its support for all councillors and officers in the work they carry out and asserting that they are entitled to a safe working environment. Mayor Cr Tony Clark said the attack was unacceptable and intolerable, and that violence was never the answer. “Abuse, aggressive attacks and threatening behaviour are never okay. Everyone deserves to feel safe when at work and out and about in our community,” he said. “Council will request an urgent meeting between myself as Mayor, Mr Thomas and the Minister for Police and Minister for Local Government to discuss what improvements will be made to legislation to safeguard the physical and online safety of councillors and council officers.”

The council also called on the local community online forums to value open debate but ensure that it stays grounded in fact and respect, and will request an urgent update from the Municipal Association of Victoria on its progress to address occupational violence, as passed at the October State Council Meeting. A Victoria Police spokesperson said police are investigating the assault.
“It is understood an unknown man threw coff ee at another man at a café on Albert Street about 1pm. Th e victim was not seriously injured. The investigation
remains ongoing. “Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confi dential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: HSC