For Immediate Release 12 November 2024
Authorised by Mayor Brian Ingram
Following the Local Government Elections in September, I would like to thank the community for trusting me to continue to represent them for the next four years. On 9 October I was honoured to be voted in by my fellow Councillors as Mayor of Hilltops. I look forward to serving the community and continuing to advocate for the core issues of Local Government – roads, rates, rubbish, and financial sustainability.
Since being elected, Councillors have been busy with an induction program. This included three days of in-house training and two bus tours around the Hilltops to see infrastructure works, significant developments and proposed works, as well as community facilities. We have also participated in a series of webinars hosted by the Office of Local Government on topics such as roles and responsibilities, Council Meetings, Integrated Planning and Reporting,governance, financial management and conduct.
At the November Council Meeting we will be appointing Councillor representatives to Council and community committees. This includes Section 355 Committees, event Committees, community groups, Progress Associations and Advisory Groups. Following this, Council will be advertising for membership to a number of committees. For Council, our committees allow residents to contribute to our decision-making processes. For residents, joining a committee is a great way to contribute to the community in an area of interest.
Since being elected I have also attended many events and meetings, and the calendar remains very busy in the lead up to Christmas.
Of note, I attended the Harden Kite Festival which was a great day with large attendance. Ialso attended a Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) AGM to elect a new board following the Council elections. The CRJO is a government organisation that provides regional leadership to connect communities within the southeast region. They have 11 member Councils, of which Hilltops is one. CRJO collaborate with all levels of government, industry and community to work together to provide a regional vision and deliver important key outcomes.
I also attended a Village BBQ in Koorawatha. These BBQs are held in villages across the Hilltops on a rotational basis and provide an opportunity for residents to meet with Councillors and Council staff to discuss ideas and voice any concerns. A schedule for 2025 will be published soon, with the first BBQ of the new year to be held in February. In Koorawatha the main topics of conversation were waste and railway line maintenance.
I extend my congratulations to the volunteers of the Boorowa Museum who celebrated their 50th anniversary last Saturday. I was pleased to be invited to this special event as the Mayor of Hilltops and acknowledge the dedication of this group of volunteers.
Things are looking positive for our annual cherry harvest, with some orchards already offering onsite picking and sales. This is always a busy time of year when we welcome many visitors and itinerant workers to the region, providing a solid boost to the economy. It also signals the start of summer and the National Cherry Festival. The festival is now in its 74th year and offers something for everyone to enjoy. Programs are available at the Young Visitor Information Centre and at businesses around the Hilltops. For more information visit www.nationalcherryfestival.com.au
This week I am travelling to Sydney to attend a Country Mayors Association meeting, then heading north to Tamworth for the Local Government NSW Annual Conference.
Mayor Brian Ingram