The apology was issued following defamation proceedings lodged by Cr MacKenzie in the Supreme Court of NSW in relation to an article published on the TRAA’s website in 2015. In a Deed of Settlement reached between the parties, listed as Cr MacKenzie, Anthony Richard Appleby and Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association Incorporated, the group denied it defamed the mayor but agreed to settle the matter with a public apology and the removal of the article. Each party was to bear its own costs.

The apology issued on the website for a mandatory period of 21 days states “The TRRA apologies (sic) to Mr MacKenzie for the hurt caused to him by the headline in an article published on its website on 28 July 2015.

“The Association remains committed to representing the interests of its members and will continue to make appropriate submissions and comments in relation to issues which impact our local community.  

“That will continue to extend to review and discussion of the decisions taken by our local Council.”

A warrant not to republish the offending article was also issued. When contacted by the Examiner, TRRA President Geoff Washington said he was unable to comment on the matter due to legal reasons. Cr MacKenzie also chose not to comment on the matter.