Dear Editor, I am deeply troubled by the treatment that Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang has received from the council.

She is a resilient and intelligent individual, and her dedication to our community has been undeniable. Among the council members, she has been the one I truly believed cared for both us, the residents, and the well-being of our community.

At a time when the disrespect towards women is alarmingly increasing, the recent actions of the council and Mayor Reilly are disappointing. The decision to prevent any female representatives from speaking at the latest council meeting and the subsequent censorship of Karen Renkema-Lang do not reflect the respect that should be shown towards women.

This conduct is not only disheartening but also sets a poor example for how our citizens, especially women, are treated. It is my sincere hope that Mayor Reilly and the council take a moment to reflect on their actions. Your actions, whether deliberate or inadvertent, are observed not only by our local community but also serve as a representation of how women are regarded across Australia.

Yours sincerely, Another Concerned Resident of Kiama