Warrnambool mayor Robert Anderson has been banned for a month from the lawn bowls club he has been a member of for 49 years after an impromptu roast which offended members.
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Cr Anderson took control of the microphone at the Warrnambool Bowls Club presentation night about six weeks ago and, with little warning, conducted a “roast” on a couple of members.
The principal recipient of the mayor’s attention was handed a jar with the label FIGJAM, a well-known acronym for F... I'm Good Just Ask Me.
Attendees said the man immediately walked out and was “clearly upset”.
That led to other bowls club members making complaints, the bowls club board then followed a strict process and Cr Anderson was suspended about a fortnight ago.
A source said the roast presentations were "cringeworthy".
"You could see what was happening, but you just couldn't stop it," he said. "You could see it building. You just wanted someone to take the microphone off him.”
Cr Anderson said he has made apologies to the members involved. He said his comments were obviously meant to be light-hearted.
"It was not the right place or time. It came off the wrong way. I apologised personally and through letters.”
Given my time again I would do things differently.
- Robert Anderson
Cr Anderson said he accepted the decision of the bowl club.
"I've got to," he said. "It's no reflection on me as the Warrnambool mayor.
“I've been a member of the bowls club for 49 years. It's been a very big part of my life.
"You live and learn, it was inappropriate timing. I've issued an apology and we move on."
Cr Anderson was previously the chairman of the bowls club but currently holds no official position.
