This is my final monthly column as Mayor for this year. The Mayor is selected by Councillors annually, so I want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to share an idea, raise an issue, or chat with me about what matters to our community.
I’ve had the privilege of talking with residents, business owners and farmers, teachers and students, nurses and health workers, volunteers, emergency services personnel, community groups, sporting clubs, young people, seniors and so many others who contribute to their communities in ways large and small. Those conversations have shown me the knowledge, generosity and community spirit that make our region special.
I also greatly enjoyed attending Citizenship Ceremonies. There is something special about standing before people from all corners of the world, each with their own story about why they are becoming an Australian citizen and have chosen to make East Gippsland their home. Each ceremony is a reminder of the many different paths that bring people here, and the shared pride of becoming Australian.
There is still much to be done now and throughout the remainder of this Council term. Consultation on the draft Bairnsdale 2050 Strategy opens on 2 November and runs until 30 November. Looking 25 years ahead, the plan covers housing, transport, the local economy, community facilities, public places and environmental sustainability. I encourage you to review the draft and tell us what you think is right, what needs strengthening and what may be missing.
A project worth highlighting is a partnership between us, RMIT University and the Omeo community. Twelve student design proposals exploring ideas for the Omeo Justice Precinct will be exhibited at the Omeo Community Hub from 6 to 25 November. These are ideas to inform discussion, not final designs or Council plans, but they are a great source of inspiration.
The students valued the opportunity to learn from the people who know Omeo best. Good design starts with listening to the community and understanding a place’s history, character and needs. This project could also help inform future regional partnerships.
Congratulations to the finalists in the inaugural Gippsland Community Leadership Awards, including our own Paul Bose who is nominated for his design work on EV chargers. The awards recognise people, organisations and initiatives making a positive difference across Gippsland. I wish all the finalists well.
We’ll be celebrating our shire and the people who make it special at the Bairnsdale Show on Saturday 7 November. Check out our stand, meet our staff and learn more about our services.
This year at the show, the Diwali Festival of Light will bring Indian music, dancing, food and fireworks to the Bairnsdale Racecourse from 6.00 pm.
We welcome the attendance of Mr Anish Rajan, Consul-General of India, as we work to strengthen trade links between our shire and India. These relationships can create valuable opportunities for local businesses.
As I write this final column for this mayoral year, I think of the many people who give their time, knowledge and energy to make our communities better places to live.
Serving as your Mayor has been an enormous privilege. I am proud of what we have worked towards together, and my belief in our shire and its people remains as strong as ever.
Thank you.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth