Whether you’re keeping it local or enjoying your festive freedoms further afield this year, one thing is certain – it’s time to recharge the batteries.

Christmas means different things for all of us, but we can all support local businesses, be kind to one another, or maybe reach out to help someone who may be less fortunate (if you can).

I love Christmas, my favourite time of year – family, friends, warm weather and events – and this year, for many of us, it will be one like no other as were unite with loved ones and reinvent our way of life.

I will be revelling in the hustle and bustle of our regional streets or be on the beaches as we welcome inter and intra-state visitors, passers through, family members and friends from near and far to this wonderful, resilient shire of ours.

Yes, the last two years have been demanding on us all - individuals, families, children, business owners, farmers, tourist operators; everyone.

As your newly elected Mayor, it would be easy for me to discount these seemingly endless months of literally one challenge after another and say, ‘Let’s just put all of that in the rear vision mirror’. But, as your civic representative, I think it’s important that we keep these times right in our sights to remind us of what we’ve confronted, what we’ve learned and what we’ve achieved.

And haven’t we achieved a lot?

Our vaccination rate is amongst the highest in the state. Consistently meeting our targets, we had 95% of our population 15 years and older double dosed by the middle of November. An outstanding effort from everyone.

We’ve supported one another and our community and local businesses have stuck together so we can start emerging from COVID restrictions with some optimism. The summer break is a great time to reconnect, to take the time to enjoy unrestricted travel or bask in the beauty of your own backyard.

As we look ahead to 2022, I know our community has the resilience, capacity and ability to thrive with the continued support and optimism of our community members.

On behalf of the Councillors and staff, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a fruitful 2022.

‍Mayor Cr Mark Reeves, December 2021

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