My Place Australia, also known simply as My Place, is an Australian conspiracy theorist group.[1] The group is based in Melbourne and is active in local government politics across Australia.[2][3] As of April 2024[update], My Place had around 180 active Facebook groups.[4]
| Formation | 28 November 2022 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Darren Bergwerf |
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Website | web |
History
editMy Place was founded in 2022 by Darren Bergwerf, a former Australia One-endorsed candidate, who contested the 2022 federal election, the 2022 Victorian state election and the 2024 Dunkley by-election for that party.[5] The group plans to establish a society that can defend itself from the "collapse of civilisation".[6]
At the 2024 Queensland local elections, My Place members were active in a number of local government areas, including Bundaberg, Gympie and Sunshine Coast. The local chapter of My Place in Townsville supported mayoral candidate Troy Thompson, who was the successful candidate at the 2024 Townsville City Council election.[4] Thompson publicly thanked the group for their support.[6]
Members of My Place have disclosed plans to contest the upcoming 2024 New South Wales local elections and 2024 Victorian local elections.[7]
Ideology
editMy Place Australia is widely regarded as part of the pseudolaw sovereign citizen movement, and promotes anti-government and anti-establishment views.[8] The group has been described as a dystopian cult[9] and a fringe group.[7] It has also been described as a far-right extremist group.[10][11]
My Place has promoted conspiracy theories about COVID-19, vaccines, 5G technology, chemtrails, fluoride, wind turbines, climate change, renewable energy and "smart cities".[4][11][8]
While Bergwerf has condemned neo-Nazism, he has stated that he is unsure whether or not the Holocaust actually occurred, his reason being that he "wasn't there [when it happened]".[11]
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.
- ^ a b Cunningham, Melissa (7 January 2024). "Fringe groups have been causing council chaos. Now they plan to get elected". The Age. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ a b Koubaridis, Andrew (2023-06-29). "'Anti-government' freedom rally protesters have new Australian targets". Herald Sun. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
- ^ https://www.councilwatch.com.au/post/community-or-dystopian-cult-you-decide
- ^ Bates, Cameron (2024-03-23). "Troy Thompson linked to right-wing conspiracy group My Place Townsville". Townsville Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
- ^ a b c Baker, Emily (2023-04-04). "Anti-vax group My Place is pushing to take 'control of council decisions'". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2024-06-10.