Mayoral Column - Wednesday 15 April 2020

I hope you had a safe and relaxing Easter at home, self-isolating. Easter is normally an occasion where many of us travel to visit family or stay in the Snowy Monaro and take in the many wonderful events that are usually held over the long weekend.

It seems very strange that we had no Lake Light Sculpture, art shows, Easter fairs and events we share with the many visitors who come and enjoy our region. It was also a time where many Christians normally attend church and it was unusual to not attend a church service.

While it’s hard to be spending time away from our families and friends, we must continue to follow physical distancing requirements to prevent COVID-19 spreading to our communities. It is tragic to hear the news from overseas about the many deaths that are occurring. May we continue to self-isolate to avoid such tragedies. In these tough times it’s important we stay connected through the many online platforms available to us so friends, family and work colleagues can stay in touch and connected.

Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, our Snowy Monaro Youth Council has put their digital skills to work to launch the #Rona campaign. This campaign showcases the talents of young people in the region and celebrates National Youth Week.

Each day throughout April, the Youth Council will release a new activity to keep the community connected. There are online youth writing and dance workshops, live music and online tours of the world’s leading museums and galleries.

You can connect with the Snowy Monaro Youth Council through Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.

The April Council Meeting is still going ahead albeit with some modifications. Most councillors will participate online and the meeting will be closed to the public. The meeting will be live-streamed via the Council website.

Council is seeking feedback on its Draft Snowy Monaro Regional Council Heritage Strategy 2020-2023. Heritage is very important to our unique region and surrounds.

All feedback is welcomed and will ensure Council has an understanding of our communities’ needs relating to heritage matters.

The Strategy is on public exhibition until Wednesday 6 May and is available on Council’s website and Your Say Snowy Monaro platform.

MAYORAL BUSHFIRE RELIEF FUND Applications will close this Friday for the Mayoral Bushfire Relief Fund. This fund is designed to provide equitable relief to residents directly affected by recent bushfires.

The total value of funds available is $483,000 and recipients must be owners of fire-affected properties.

Council’s Customer Service Team can assist you in the application process. Forms are available on Council’s website in the bushfire recovery section. Applications close Friday 17 April 2020.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council