ALBURY councillor Henk van de Ven has pledged $500 to Amanda Duncan-Strelec’s legal fighting fund.
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Cr van de Ven became the first donor to the page.
He was inspired by his friendship and belief that Mrs Duncan-Strelec had been unfairly treated by the justice system in her legal action against Cr Tate over a Lavington property development.
“Having been associated with her for 13 years and understanding the story I think she’s been totally dudded,” Cr van de Ven said.
“I believe she deserves justice and I’ve made a contribution.”
The webpage went live on Saturday and as of Tuesday night Cr van de Ven’s $500 was the only donation.
“That’s all I could afford at this stage, otherwise I might have contributed more,” he said.
Mrs Duncan-Strelec said she appreciated Cr van de Ven’s contribution.
“Henk is an extraordinarily honest man with great integrity,” she said.
“He’s been an extremely good friend of (my husband) David and mine since I’ve been on council and he believes in this case and knows his money will be returned if we win.”
Cr van de Ven said being told by Mrs Duncan-Strelec that Albury-raised barrister Charles Waterstreet was supporting her had convinced him her legal efforts had merit.
Mrs Duncan-Strelec is hopeful she can source many donations from the Gold Coast.
Cr Tate was first popularly elected mayor of the tourist strip in 2012 and re-elected last year.
He scored 63 per cent of the primary vote.
