Reports this week shine light on a conspiracy group making incursions into local government.

My Place, an anti-vax group, is aiming to take over council decisions across Australia, pushing its views on topics such as vaccinations, 5G and organic farming. 

The group's founder, Darren Bergwerf, claims to be a sovereign citizen, which means he does not recognise the legitimacy of Australian laws and institutions. Australia’s law does, in fact, recognise him.

The group presents as ordinary, but behind the scenes, Mr Bergwerf speaks of a “war for humanity ... a war we can't lose”. 

The group welcomes guest speakers with controversial views, such as Riccardo Bosi, a former SAS soldier who has called for politicians, health workers, and bureaucrats to be hanged for their role in pandemic management. 

Analysis of social media sites shows the group has thousands of followers in five different states. 

The group's growth and beliefs have raised alarm bells for experts who consider it an extreme group. 

My Place has a strategy to take on local councils, which has raised concerns for the conspiracy theories spreading rapidly through social media.

More details are accessible here.