NAMING a new women’s refuge after Port Stephens mayor Bruce Mackenzie is “totally inappropriate” given that he admitted to assaulting a partner in 1997, one of the Hunter’s foremost advocates for victims of domestic violence says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Port Stephens Council resolved last week to set up a building in Raymond Terrace as a short-term shelter for those escaping domestic violence.
But the shelter’s name, “The Bruce MacKenzie Centre for Victims of Domestic Violence”, has brought renewed scrutiny upon the mayor about an incident 19 years ago.
As reported by the Newcastle Herald in November 1997, Cr MacKenzie appeared before Raymond Terrace Court charged with assaulting his de facto partner.
The court heard Cr MacKenzie, then 59, got into a drunken argument with the woman, 50, in which she said he headbutted her until his nose bled, and slammed her head into a tiled floor.
He pleaded guilty and was ordered to enter into a 12 month good behaviour bond. The magistrate found the offence proved, but did not record a conviction against Cr MacKenzie’s name.
The now-mayor told the Herald he “tackled” his then-partner that day, before they reconciled, and he was “man enough” to admit he had done wrong.
“It was a domestic argument that escalated to a tackle which I wasn’t proud of at the time,” Cr MacKenzie said.
“That’s all I’ll say about it. I didn’t punch anyone, or throttle anyone. It happened in ‘97 and I’ve done a lot since. Domestic violence is disgusting, I don’t condone it.”
He said the refuge, which has been detailed and supported by a development application, was “150 per cent Bruce MacKenzie’s idea” and a source of personal pride.
But Ann Morris, manager of business and strategy at the Hunter Women’s Centre, said naming such a refuge after Cr MacKenzie would “send the wrong message” to victims of violence.
“I think it’s a totally inappropriate name. Anybody who’s faced violence-related charges of any kind – it’s even more reason not to call [the shelter] that,” Ms Morris said.
“There’s a bit of a stench around the whole thing.”
Cr MacKenzie said he “appreciates” Ms Morris’ comments and “takes them on board”, but pointed out Cr Ken Jordan had proposed the shelter’s name at last week’s council meeting, and was backed by every councillor.
Cr Jordan said he had simply wanted to give due credit to the mayor, and was “shell shocked” by the criticism.
“Why should it be called anything but? He’s the one who’s pushed this, driven it, is making it happen,” Cr Jordan said.
“He started to cry [in the council meeting], he was that moved by the gesture.”
