Mayoral Column 22 January 2020

Businesses in the region are looking to restart their summer season with the tourist leave zone lifted and further areas of the Kosciuszko National Park re-opening.

Last week, Thredbo Valley businesses Wildbrumby Distillery and the Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa launched the excellent initiative - Shake Hands with the Snowies. The campaign encourages tourists to return to our region. Upon their arrival they will be greeted with a friendly handshake, thanking them for supporting the Snowy Monaro.

Our thoughts are still with those in our region who have lost their properties. The recovery process is progressing and we will help you where possible.

Crackenback business operator Andrea Forsyth has been appointed as the region’s Local Recovery Officer. Andrea will work with the Snowy Monaro’s bush fire affected residents and communities to help them get back on their feet.

Andrea will help residents access the services, grants and assistance they require to recover from the devastating fires. In the coming weeks there will be community meetings and further information provided to residents.

If you would like to contact Andrea, please call Council on 1300 345 345.

The NSW Government is coordinating the clean-up of residences and businesses (insured and uninsured properties) affected by bush fires in the Snowy Monaro.

Affected residents and business owners are encouraged to register their details at the following link - https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/nsw-bushfire-clean-register-now

This weekend, events will be held throughout the region to celebrate Australia Day. As our towns and villages come together, we are presented with an opportunity to thank our firefighters, emergency service workers and community members who supported us during the recent bush fires.

As per tradition, Bombala will hold their Australia Day celebrations on Saturday.

On Sunday 26 January, activities will be held in many communities. In Cooma’s Centennial Park, the official Australia Day Awards ceremony will be held from 12pm where a number of awards will be presented, including the Citizen of the Year.

The Cooma ceremony will see 21 people become Australian citizens. Congratulations to you all. A list of the region’s Australia Day activities can be found on Council’s website.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council