Mayoral Column - January 2024

Published on 02 February 2024

Australia Day has come and gone for another year and I believe the comment made by Leeton's Australia Day Ambassador, Lyndey Milan OAM, sums it up pretty well. She has been attending Australia Day ceremonies around the state for 22 years and was categoric when she said, “I have never seen a more genuinely cohesive community than the Leeton Shire.” It was a pretty impressive comment and one of which we should all be very proud.

There was plenty of respectful dialogue at the Survival Day launch at Gossamer Park and it was great to see people of all ages and backgrounds getting involved in the hand painting. The upgraded facilities block looks fabulous. Well done to all involved!

The Sunrice Ambassadors fundraising is in full swing – congratulations to Martelle Maguire and Melissa Beecham and their committees for all the work they are doing. There have been plenty of events and activities already and it really adds to the fabric of our Shire. Who can believe Easter is already on the horizon?

2024 is the final year for this term of Councillors and they, along with the council staff, are determined to get the bulk of our capital projects finished. Both Roxy Stage 1 and Chelmsford Place are steadily taking shape and there is plenty of optimism that they will be completed – or at least completed enough to be partly functional – in time for the Art Deco Festival weekend. The workers and local tradies at both locations are really having a crack and it is greatly appreciated!

Council elections are in September and this is a great opportunity to provide service to the community by being an elected Councillor. While it can be challenging at times, it is a very worthwhile job. It's vital our Shire has strong leadership so please give some thought to putting your name forward for election when the opportunity presents itself later in the year. Council is also planning to run a public session on Sunday 23 June 2024 (3pm to 5pm) so that interested residents can learn more about what the role of Councillor involves.Please keep an eye out for notices on pre-election programs or register your interest to be notified personally by emailing sarahg@leeton.nsw.gov.au.

Sincerely,
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker