An apology and a giant kangaroo at Boddington

The chief executive of the Shire of Boddington issued an apology to ratepayers at the weekend after last week referring to members of his community as “mentally handicapped clowns” on the council’s Facebook page. Chris Littlemore launched the tirade in response to the continuing issue of golfers using a local football oval as a driving range. “The last time significant damage was done to the football oval was during the Christmas break,” Mr Littlemore said. “It is not known whether the same mentally handicapped clowns were responsible for belting golf balls towards the school ... however, a significant number of large divots have again been gouged from the pride and joy of many in our community. “If, perchance, one of the brain-dead jerks actually managed a decent driving shot, they could have easily sent a golf ball clear into the school ... Hmm, I wonder what the consequences of that would be.” Mr Littlemore posted an “unreserved apology” on the Shire’s Facebook page on Saturday. “It has come to my attention that I have offended some people in our community through a recent Facebook post,” he said. “While I did not set out with that purpose, I should have anticipated the outcome and failed to recognise the words used could be offensive to some people. I sincerely regret the angst caused and the damage it has done to the council’s reputation.” Shire president Rod McSwain said the chief executive, like all Shire employees, must abide by a code of conduct. Though he said Mr Littlemore had “learnt his lesson”, the matter could still be discussed by the council. In better news for Boddington, Cr McSwain revealed the Shire had engaged renowned WA sculptor Len Zuks to consult on the construction of a kangaroo sculpture that, when finished, would be the biggest of its kind in Australia. At a whopping 13.2m, the Boddington kangaroo will stand 20cm taller than the current record-holder, Matilda, the darling of the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games, pictured above, which currently sits by a Queensland servo. Cr McSwain said he hoped the sculpture, which would allow kids to climb inside and look out of the pouch, would be finished by Christmas. The Shire will hold a competition to name the kangaroo on its Facebook page.