I am very pleased to declare that at the council meeting I announced the membership of the newly established Local Representation Committees. This model includes active community members that will represent the three former local government areas. I believe the formation of these committees will provide a window of opportunity to promote our region and present opportunities for each of their areas by being an integral link between the community and the council.

These committees will have the ability to raise issues with me and we will work with each other to provide the best services for you – we really be will stronger together and better together. I will be meeting with these committee members in the near future to set the scene and discuss how we will move forward and to brainstorm some objectives that they believe are imperative to their areas.

I would like to personally and sincerely thank those who served their terms in the former councils and congratulate those who have been appointed to the new local Advisory Committees. Their preparedness in giving another 18 months of service to their community is much appreciated. I would also wish to express my gratitude to the other new community representatives for being prepared to give their time for the benefit of their region.

Further, I conducted a citizenship ceremony for two residents Hannah Steward and Samuel Watling, both from the United Kingdom, who were very pleased and proud to become Australian Citizens and members of the community.  It is great to see our vast history of multiculturalism continue in the area as we are continually welcoming people into our communities from all over the world. I would like to give a warm welcome to those entering our region in this time of significant change.