Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg has apologised for making an offensive hand gesture made in a social media post

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg has issued a public apology after posting a photo in which he was seen “flipping the bird” while travelling with fellow councillors to the Local Government Conference in Penrith.

He says image, since removed form his his Facebook page, was intended to be lighthearted.

However, several community members contacted the mayor to express concern about the gesture.

Historically, “flipping the bird” is widely understood as an insulting hand sign made by raising the middle finger.

Although often used jokingly among friends, it is also recognised as a gesture that can cause offence, particularly in professional settings or public forums.

Mayor Krieg acknowledged this in his apology, writing, “In hindsight, on my behalf, I should not have flipped the bird.

“To those who I have offended, I apologise.  This was certainly not intended to be a malicious or offensive message.

“It was a bit of banter in a car full of people, captured in a photo.”

He added that the experience was a reminder that public figures are always under scrutiny.

“Regardless of the situation and where we are, people are always watching, and judging everything we do.

“I will say that first and foremost, we are human and by our very nature we are flawed,” Cr Kreig said.

The incident sparked mixed reaction online.  Some residents expressed disappointment, noting the community is still carrying significant trauma from repeated flooding and is looking for strong leadership.

But several others defended the mayor, describing the moment as harmless and urging critics to “lighten up”.

Councillor Big Rob dismissed the apology as “soft”, saying the environment had become “too woke”.

“I don’t enjoy being a councillor anymore.  People prefer individuals who fit in a pre-determined mould, not real people,” Cr Rob said.

Other commenters ranged from support — “I didn’t find it offensive… people need to grow up” — to caution, with some noting there is a clear difference between private behaviour and public conduct for anyone representing a community.

The conversation highlighted broader questions about expectations placed on local leaders, especially in flood-affected communities across the Northern Rivers where emotions remain close to the surface.

Share your views in the comments: was the gesture inappropriate, or just harmless humour among colleagues?