Mayor's Message – 10 June 2024

Published on 03 June 2024

I hope everyone managed to soak up some beautiful autumnal sunshine over the last month because winter is officially here.

We’ve had a jam-packed month here are Council and I’m pleased so share some news, opportunities and highlights with you.

Last week we commemorated Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week here in the shire.

We acknowledged Sorry Day with a commemorative event in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, which was very special.

The morning included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson, and music and very moving talk from guest Uncle Ron Murray (Wamba Wamba, Tatiara man).

The next day marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week with an event at the Market Building in Castlemaine.

We enjoyed the launch of Nicky Winmar’s book My Story: From Bush Kid to AFL Legend in conversation with Uncle Ron Murray, the Nalderun Awards and a morning tea.

The week continued with a range of fantastic activities programmed by our friends at Nalderun. There was live music, walks, a film screening, story time, a community sing-a-long and lots more.

I want to say a big well done to everyone involved in making it a very special week.

In other news, we have some amazing opportunities coming up for residents who are looking to provide some input on Council projects and initiatives.

I’d like to invite you to express your interest in joining one of two working groups we’re putting together at the moment.

The first is an opportunity to help improve access and inclusion for people with disability in our shire by joining out new Disability Inclusion Advisory Group.

The group will support Council to implement actions from the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027.

It will also provide Council with guidance and information on the issues facing community members living with all forms of disability, and provide opportunities to acknowledge and/or address them collaboratively.

The second is an opportunity to ensure Mount Alexander Shire has safe, connected and sustainable active transport options by joining our Active Transport External Working Group.

The group will support us in implementing actions from the Active Transport Strategy.

You can find out more about these opportunities, and lots of others, at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Don’t forget too, that local government elections are coming up on Saturday 26 October, which is an exciting time here at Council.

If you’re thinking about nominating for the upcoming elections, now is the time to get all the essential information you might need.

There’s a lot involved in being a Councillor – I should know!

If you’re thinking of running, I encourage you to book a one-on-one session with either myself, our Deputy Mayor Rosie Annear or our CEO Darren Fuzzard.

I can tell you that being a Councillor is an incredibly rewarding and educational experience. I highly recommend putting yourself forward if you’re passionate about meaningfully contributing to the future of our shire.

You can find out more and book a one-on-one session at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/CouncilElections.

And finally, our 2024-2025 Budget will be out next month, and I’d like to thank our community for their input in the decision-making process.

Roads, recreation, parks and gardens, and arts and culture were highlighted as important focus areas during our first phase of community feedback.

The preservation of our shire’s rich building heritage and protecting our natural environment were also important to people who provided input.

We’re continuing to progress our work on affordable housing solutions, which is a priority for all Councillors, Council staff and the community.

Have a look at our draft budget before it goes to our June Council meeting on Tuesday 18 June here: www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/2024-2025-budget.

Before I sign off for this month, I’d like to remind you to contact your local Councillor if there’s an issue you’d like to raise – we are here for you.

Till next month, take care.

Mayor Matthew Driscoll
Mount Alexander Shire Council