Message from the Mayor

As we quickly move towards the end of the year, life seems to be busier than ever. Harvest is in full swing and it would appear that it is a good harvest. There is plenty of movement both on and off the road network. Please be careful as you travel our roads, as large machinery, escort vehicles and roadworks all make for a challenging space. Our kids are moving towards the end of the school year. Year 12 have completed their formal 13 year school education and I had the pleasure of attending the Coleambally Central School Year 12 Farewell Dinner. The next 4 weeks will see many invitations to presentation events, which is a highlight for all involved.

11 November saw Remembrance Day services conducted in our 3 communities. Thank you everyone involved in this important commemorative occasion.

Water rallies have been held in Deniliquin, Leeton and Griffith to highlight the community’s and wider region’s concerns regarding the proposed water buybacks position. They also protested the removal of the neutrality lens that has, to date, had a small influence in determining the detrimental social and economic fallout attached to many of the initiatives of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

I had the privilege of attending the 3 project launches of the Intergenerational Stories facilitated by the Petaurus Education Group. Acknowledging our own, and telling our stories across the generations, was heart-warming.

We are in the process of conducting our Welcome to New Residents BBQ’s. We have a printed handbook that should make moving to our community that little bit easier. Of course, the warmest welcome you can receive is the personal one. Thank you to all new residents, as well as the community groups and the town ambassadors who have supported our events.

I encourage you all to use our pristine pools, which are open for free again this year. Our lessees are doing a great job making them as inviting as possible. No doubt the really hot weather will be here soon.

We were very pleased to receive an award for our Waste to Art initiative. Congratulations to the facilitators, the artists and Council staff for nominating this very positive waste story. Students who will be studying at Charles Sturt University next year may like to apply for the Murrumbidgee Council Scholarship. The scholarship is valued at $4,000. Applications close in February 2024, so there is still plenty of time for everyone to get their applications in.

I also encourage everyone to nominate a person or event for an Australia Day award. We have such a vibrant community with so many worthy people and events.

The General Manager and I attended the LGNSW Conference in Sydney recently. It was an intense couple of days, with over 137 motions. Last week, the General Manager and I travelled to Sydney for the Annual General Meeting of the Country Mayors Association. This week, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor and Director of Infrastructure, I am attending the Newell Highway Taskforce Committee Meeting at Parliament House in Canberra.

Christmas and the New Year will be here in no time. My best wishes to everyone and I urge you to travel safely if you are on the road.