My Place Australia, also known simply as My Place, is an Australian conspiracy theorist group.[1] The group is based in Melbourne and active in local government politics across Australia.[2][3] As of April 2024, My Place has around 180 active Facebook groups.[4]
| Formation | 28 November 2022 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Darren Bergwerf |
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Website | web |
History edit
My Place was founded in 2022 by Darren Bergwerf, a former Australia One-endorsed candidate who contested the 2022 federal election and 2022 Victorian state election.[5] The group plans to establisb a society that can defend itself from the "collapse of civilisation".[6]
The group promotes sovereign citizen messaging and conspiracy theories about 5G, chemtrails, fluoride, wind turbines and smart cities.[4]
At the 2024 Queensland local elections, My Place members were active in a number of different local government areas, including Bundaberg, Gympie and Sunshine Coast. The local chapter of My Place in Townsville supported mayoral candidate Troy Thompson, who was successfully elected.[4] Thompson publicly thanked the group for their support.[6]
Members of My Place have expressed plans to contest the upcoming 2024 New South Wales local elections and 2024 Victorian local elections.[7]
References edit
- ^ Baker, Emily (4 April 2023). "Anti-vax group My Place is pushing to take 'control of council decisions'". Australian Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ "Inside the 'My Place' anti-government conspiracy group targeting councils". News.com.au. 30 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ Dexter, Rachael; Preiss, Benjamin (22 April 2023). "Victorian councils targeted by conspiracy theorists' campaign of disruption and influence". The Age. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ a b c Gillespie, Eden (11 April 2024). "My Place groups worry about 5G and chemtrails. Some are also taking an interest in Queensland's council elections". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ Cowburn, Brodie (18 January 2023). "Deputy mayor poses with fringe group founder". The News Bayside. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Troy Thompson linked to right-wing conspiracy group My Place Townsville". Townsville Bulletin. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ Cunningham, Melissa (7 January 2024). "Fringe groups have been causing council chaos. Now they plan to get elected". The Age. Retrieved 17 April 2024.