The end result was a generous move by council.

But the nature of the debate, and the attempt to block funding for the cause was self-indulgent at best, according to Cr Mitchell Pakes.

He accused fellow councillors of using charities for political gain in the chamber on Tuesday.

Cr Pakes put forward a motion to support community member Hayley Dun to the tune of $1000 in the Firefighter Climb for Motor Neurone Disease.

Some councillors argued that there were other worthy charities council could support, and an amendment was tacked onto his motion.

The amendment stipulated council would also support Cr Nina Cheyne and her work with PCYC’s disadvantaged children, Cr Jo Gash and Relay for Life, and Mayor Amanda Findley and the Cancer Council’s Dancing with the Stars charities.

“This amendment shows no respect to Cr Pakes and his research in preparing the motion,” Cr Guile said.

“It scoffs at his proposal, it deliberately scoffs at his motion.”

Cr Kaye Gartner asked Cr Guile to withdraw his comments about the amendment.

Cr Guile refused to do so, and the mayor intervened.

“The pair of you are not going to fight in this chamber,” she said.

Cr Gartner and Cr Gash (seconder) later withdrew the amendment.

“Wow, what can I say,” Cr Pakes said.

“Councillors in this room have made a mockery of this fundraiser.

“These absolutely fantastic charities, cancer, PCYC, they have been used for political gain in this chamber.

“No wonder some councillors voted against live streaming.

“If the community saw this performance here tonight they would be disgusted and outraged.”

A majority of councillors voted in support of Cr Pakes’ motion, passed on Tuesday.

For: Guile, Pakes, Bob Proudfoot, Findley, Annette Alldrick, John Wells, Greg Watson, Mark Kitchener

Against: Gash, Patricia White, Cheyne, Gartner, John Levett