Mayoral Column - May 2024
Published on 31 May 2024
It was great to be able to share in the celebration with Council’s William Ingram, who retired recently after nearly 43 years’ service in the Parks and Gardens. Most people these days who have worked for that long have done so with about 12 different organisations, so the loyalty and commitment to Leeton Shire Council is to be applauded. William is well known and respected in the community and if anyone deserves a happy and enjoyable retirement it is him.
This year is flying past us and the Council Elections will soon be upon us. Polling date is Saturday, 14 September 2024. Have you considered putting your hand up to run for election? Councillors help set the direction the Council takes, approve major expenditure, and make decisions that can affect us all. While it can be a challenging role, it is also a rewarding one, as you can really make a difference in the community.
As a Councillor you are expected to represent the views of the community while making decisions in their interests, demonstrate conduct that the community expects and deserves, and plan and oversee the running of a significant and complex business. There are no special qualifications to become a councillor other than a desire to serve your community. If you are eligible to vote at an election for your council, you can also stand as a candidate for election to the council.
Our shire is a diverse one with people of many backgrounds, skills and nationalities calling Leeton Shire home. Our council should reflect this so it would be good to have that diversity represented in our candidacy. For anyone who is considering running for Council, there will be an information day on Sunday, 23 June 2024, from 3pm to 5pm at the Council Chambers.
Fiesta La Leeton 2024 has come and gone and was another fabulous success. Multicultural NSW sang its praises on their website describing it as: Fiesta La Leeton – a street festival showcase of Leeton’s diverse multicultural character with street food and live entertainment. Featuring a bevy of traditional and fusion cuisines from across the globe, there is something to suit all tastes! Entertainment included performances by members of the local Fijian, Solomon Islander & Filipino communities plus an exciting group of drummers from Pukapuka via Griffith as well as music from Sydney group Nadya & the Gypsy Firecrackers. Well done to Council staff, the major sponsor JBS and of course all of you who made the effort to attend and make the night the success it was.
I say all the time, but for a shire our size we certainly punch above our weight and this festival is another great example of that.
Sincerely,
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker