News
19 March, 2026
Property developer blocked from attending public forum
Property developer Theo Onisforou was blocked from entering Wingecarribee Shire Council’s public forum by police on Wednesday afternoon without explanation.
Property developer Theo Onisforou was blocked from entering Wingecarribee Shire Council’s public forum by police on Wednesday afternoon without explanation.
Mr Onisforou – a vocal council critic – was not taken to the Southern Highlands Police Station and was not charged with any offence.
He told The Southern Wire shortly afterwards that he would consider taking legal action against one of the police officers involved for assault.
The entire incident was captured on video.
Mr Onisforou has been extremely critical of council over its stance on Repoly – in particular its decision not to become a party to proceedings in the Land and Environment Court.
More recently he has accused Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick of snubbing his daughter Stephanie at this year’s Australia Day ceremony in Berrima.
Stephanie Onisforou was one of the nominees for the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year Award.
He has accused the Mayor of failing to shake his daughter’s hand – despite shaking the hands of all the other nominees – and has called for him to stand down over his “absolutely atrocious” behaviour.
He said the Mayor had failed to respond to any of his allegations and had not denied the incident.
Mr Onisforou described the current council as the “worst council in the last 35 years”.
“You can only hide stupidity for so long,” he told The Southern Wire late Wednesday.
He says the only explanation for being blocked from Wednesday’s forum is that “the Mayor hates me”.
Mr Onisforou – who owns a cattle farm at Kangaloon – was advised by email at 10.14am on Monday morning (March 16) that his request to address the public forum on the issue of funding for the Ngununggula art gallery had been accepted.
He received another email from council staff at 12.45pm on Tuesday afternoon (March 17) stating that council’s general manager Lisa Miscamble had decided to refuse his application to speak at the forum “following further consideration”.
Council’s Manager Governance and Corporate Performance, Danielle Lidgard, advised Mr Onisforou that the decision had been based on his conduct at the August 20 public forum last year.
“On that occasion, you were not a registered speaker but were permitted to address the forum at the discretion of the Mayor,” Ms Lidgard.
“During your address, you engaged in conduct that was determined to constitute disorderly conduct under Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.”
She said the policy stated that the General Manager could refuse further applications for public forum from a person that has engaged in disorderly conduct.
“Further, consideration has been given to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011,” Ms Lidgard said.
“The Council Chamber is a workplace and, as such, the WH&S Act applies.
“Council has an obligation to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of councillors, staff and members of the public who are in attendance.
“Having regard to these matters, your application to speak at the March 2026 public forum is refused,” Ms Lidgard advised.
“This decision follows further consideration of the matter and supersedes the email sent to you yesterday, advising that your application had been accepted.
“The refusal to permit you to speak at the Public Forum is consistent with the NSW OLG Model Public Forum Rules (January 2026) and the council’s adopted Public Forum Policy.”
Mr Onisforou described the decision as “dishonest, opportunistic and venegeful” and believes it was made purely in response to his professional criticisms of the Mayor and General Manager.
He has asked council to provide details of the alleged disorderly conduct.
“My appearance at the relevant meeting was taped and is on YouTube,” Mr Onisforou said in his response to Ms Lidgard.
“No criticisms arose at the time of the meeting.”
Mr Onisforou has never hidden his feelings for the Mayor.
“I don’t tolerate fools,” he told The Southern Wire after being blocked from Wednesday’s public forum.
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