Hawkesbury City Councillor Eddie Dogramaci is expected to face a three-day hearing in Parramatta Local Court this week over an allegation involving a council-funded computer purchase.
The matter is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 24, and is expected to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Cr Dogramaci has pleaded not guilty to the remaining charge, which alleges he dishonestly obtained approximately $4,000 from Hawkesbury City Council.
The allegation relates to a computer purchased using funds available for councillor equipment.
Cr Dogramaci denies wrongdoing, and no finding has been made against him. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until the charge is proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Two charges withdrawn
Police originally brought three charges against Cr Dogramaci, including allegations of fraud and making a false document.
Two of those charges have since been withdrawn by the prosecution, leaving one charge to be determined at this week’s hearing.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is conducting the prosecution.
The public court list confirms R v Eddie Dogramaci is listed at Parramatta Local Court on Monday. The Gazette understands three days have been allocated for the hearing.
Council documents sought
During an earlier court appearance, Hawkesbury City Council was represented by Marsdens Law Group in relation to a subpoena issued on behalf of Cr Dogramaci.
The subpoena sought Council documents that Cr Dogramaci contends are relevant to his defence.
Council’s lawyers made submissions seeking to limit the scope of the material required to be produced.
It is not yet publicly known which Council documents will ultimately be admitted into evidence or which witnesses will be called during the hearing.
Suspended from civic office
Cr Dogramaci was temporarily suspended from civic office by NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig in August 2025 after the criminal charges were laid.
He has consequently been unable to participate in Hawkesbury City Council meetings or exercise his vote in the chamber during the suspension.
The timing of the hearing is politically significant because Council is due to elect its Mayor and Deputy Mayor on September 8.
However, the conclusion of the hearing may not necessarily produce an immediate result. The magistrate could reserve judgment and deliver a decision at a later date.
The effect of the court proceedings on Cr Dogramaci’s suspension will be governed by the Local Government Act and any further decision by the Minister. The Gazette does not suggest that the conclusion of the hearing will necessarily result in his immediate return to council.
What happens this week
The prosecution is expected to present its evidence first, including relevant documents and witnesses.
Cr Dogramaci’s lawyers will have the opportunity to cross-examine prosecution witnesses and present evidence in support of his defence.
The key questions likely to be considered include:
- whether the reimbursement claim contained information that was false or misleading;
- whether Cr Dogramaci acted dishonestly;
- whether he obtained a financial advantage as a result.
The prosecution must prove every element of the remaining charge beyond reasonable doubt. Cr Dogramaci is not required to prove his innocence.
The Gazette will report what occurs in court, including the evidence presented by both sides and any decision delivered by the magistrate.
Cr Dogramaci remains presumed innocent, and the remaining charge is an allegation that has not yet been determined.
What is confirmed so far
- The matter is publicly listed at Parramatta Local Court on Monday, August 24.
- The Gazette understands the hearing is allocated three days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Cr Dogramaci has pleaded not guilty.
- The allegation concerns approximately $4,000 in council equipment funding.
- Two of the three original charges have been withdrawn.
- One charge remains for determination.
- Cr Dogramaci has been suspended from civic office since August 2025.
- No witness list or final list of admitted Council documents has been publicly confirmed.
- No finding of guilt has been made.
