Mayor Peta Pinson said: "As the mayor and councillors, we've agreed to undertake a formal confidential process and that commenced yesterday [Thursday] afternoon."

The mediation process comes after Cr Pinson went public with allegations of bullying and harassment within the elected body and dysfunction at levels she has never experienced before in her professional life.

The claims were challenged by some councillors with deputy mayor Lisa Intemann saying the mayor should raise these matters, with specific examples, "out of the public eye".

Cr Pinson, who raised the bullying allegations at the June 3 council meeting, attempted to push for an early council election but the move failed.

The general manager was requested to provide access to appropriate external professional advice and support for council's elected representatives to ensure optimum performance in these extenuating and unexpected circumstances.

That professional mediation started on Thursday, June 25.

A string of events since the June 3 council meeting has seen the departure of general manager Craig Swift-McNair, who is relocating to take up a position at Woollahra Municipal Council; and the resignation of Cr Justin Levido.

Mr Swift-McNair, on his resignation, said the organisation is functioning effectively but would not weigh into debate about councillor relationships.

Jeffery Sharp will hold the position of general manager until further notice as the council recruits a new general manager to replace Mr Swift-McNair.

Mr Sharp's focus in the short term includes a continuation of the COVID-19 Recovery Working Group's planning, as well as council continuing to deliver a huge and varied amount of work.

Meanwhile, The Office of Local Government is monitoring the unrest within the elected council body.

An anonymous and defamatory letter is circulating in the community making allegations of bullying, calling for the council to return to administration.

What else is making news, sport?

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