Mayoral Column 28 August 2019
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I had the pleasure of joining the Cooma delegation that recently visited the beautiful city of Yamaga in Japan.
A strong sister-city relationship between Cooma and Yamaga has existed for 44 years.
Driven by the Cooma and Yamaga Lions Club and supported by Snowy Monaro Regional Council and the Yamaga City Council, this friendship sees a delegation from each city visit the other every two years.
The Cooma delegation to Yamaga comprised: Lee Riley, President of the Cooma Lions Club and a teacher at Monaro High School (MHS); Lee’s husband Justin; Leanne Wiggins, a teacher at MHS; 19 MHS students; Cooma Lions Club members Ron Knight and Jeanette Nassar; and my wife Kerry and I.
The trip was self-funded and costs in Japan were covered by Yamaga City Council and the Yamaga Lions Club.
The Yamaga City Council and the Yamaga Lions Club provided a packed program of cultural experiences, delivered with warmth and hospitality. These included visiting two schools and experiencing traditional Japanese music, games, archery and cooking.
The Cooma delegation made the most of every minute, making friendships that will endure over the years.
Cooma is looking forward to the return visit of the Yamaga delegation in 2020.
On Monday, an Extraordinary Meeting of Council will be held to elect a Mayor and Deputy Mayor who will serve until the 2020 local government elections.
In the two years, I have been Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council, I have been honoured to represent the people of this wonderful region.
I feel extremely privileged to have been the inaugural Mayor of the Snowy Monaro and I have enjoyed meeting many people in my travels throughout the region.
Working closely with the state government, this Council has been able to achieve better outcomes for the region.
The region has a bright future and I wish the incoming Mayor and Deputy Mayor all the best as they represent the Snowy Monaro.
The Extraordinary Meeting will start at 5pm in the Cooma office council chambers.
Councillor John Rooney Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council