Another Milestone (19 November 2020)

It was great to be back at the site of the new West Woolgoolga Sports Complex for the recent sod-turning with Kevin Hogan MP, Gurmesh Singh MP and the Community Working Group led by Alistair Milroy.

Seeing the first trenches being dug is always a really exciting moment for any project, but this one has such significance for the local community that it really was extra special. It’s also a thrill to see all three levels of government working together positively with the community to deliver the project.

I hope you joined in with the latest NAIDOC Week celebrations. I was once again delighted to open the Week with the traditional flag-raising at the Council Chambers.

It’s a very important part of the whole Week and honours our Aboriginal community who, 15 years ago, approached Council with the proposal to not only raise the flag at the Council Chambers, but to hold a week of celebration events.

I’d like to congratulate everyone involved for organising another fabulous program of online activities and COVIDSafe events to mark this important celebration of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have occupied and cared for this land and sea for over 65,000 years.

The flag-raising was livestreamed, but we’re all looking forward to being able to celebrate in person together next year.

Despite the smaller numbers, this year’s Remembrance Day Ceremony to honour our fallen was also as meaningful and poignant as always.

Please maintain social distancing and hand washing. We’ve all done so well – keep up the good work.