Christmas message from the Mayor

East Gippsland is a very special place.

This past year has highlighted to me how fortunate we all are to live here, in great communities with people who support one another and are helping make East Gippsland become the most liveable region in Australia.

We have been presented with many opportunities this year; however, we have been faced with more than our share of challenges. These challenges include, but are not limited to, drought and bushfires, and the native timber harvesting and commercial Gippsland Lakes fishing announcements.

Council will continue to plan, deliver services and advocate for the best outcomes for East Gippsland, however we need to continue to support one another; our communities, farmers, small businesses and volunteers.

I have enjoyed leading the Council in my first seven weeks as Mayor of our great shire.

It has certainly been a busy time, but my councillor colleagues and I take great pleasure in getting out and visiting groups and events across our shire; and representing and advocating for our communities.

I’ve chatted with many farmers who are continuing to tackle the drought head-on and attended many events. Everyone hopes 2020 includes drought-breaking and follow-up rain. That’s at the top of my Christmas list!

To our volunteers, your efforts throughout 2019 are what makes East Gippsland such a great place to live, work and play. Our volunteers find another level when the going gets tough, or there are people in need.

In our time of bushfire threat this summer, we should all be so grateful for the effort being put in by so many, including volunteers from near and far, to keep our communities safe.

Council’s role during the bushfires is to help communities prepare and plan for emergencies, and we are also responsible for recovery. Because of the drought we knew this year’s fire season would be tough and as an organisation have planned accordingly to ensure we have the staff available throughout what is expected to be a long season. Remember your bushfire plan.

While the landscape may be dry and we have lingering smoke and fires, East Gippsland is open for business. Encourage your family and friends to visit this summer, support our small businesses and let them experience what we have.

There is so much on offer this summer, thanks largely to community groups, clubs and businesses organising events and entertainment. Council has been able to support many of these events and I trust they will be well supported by locals and our visitors alike.

As we head into the New Year, it was pleasing to be able to award several contracts at our December meeting that will provide economic stimulus well into 2020, from the contractors down through their sub-contractors, suppliers and service industries.

This Christmas consider those who are less fortunate and think of those who may be in need of some extra support. Check in on a neighbour, say g’day to the farmer over the back fence, plan for hot temperatures and stay cool, and keep up to date with the bushfire situation.

I look forward to a New Year full of opportunities, helping deliver Council’s projects and works program, and welcoming the drought-breaking rains.

On behalf of staff and councillors, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. 

Mayor Cr John White