Mayoral Column – Wednesday 11 November 2020

At the recent Country Mayors’ Association (CMA) meeting, a presentation was delivered by Mary Kane AC who co-authored the NSW bushfire enquiry report that delivered 76 recommendations to improve the state’s preparedness and response to future bushfire emergencies.

A priority for our state is improving the emergency warning system, including the earlier dissemination of community messages.

At the CMA meeting, my counterparts were in agreement that regional councils need greater assistance from the NSW Government to meet the increasing demands of managing road networks.

The upgrade of the Cooma Multifunction Centre (MFC) is progressing well. The fit out of the new kitchen is underway and significant improvements are occurring to the centre’s electrical system. The Cooma MFC is one of our region’s most used facilities and these upgrades will ensure our community organisations have access to the improved space.

Congratulations to Snowy Monaro Youth Councillor Molly Brabham who recently presented at the National Children’s Parliament.

Molly represented young people from across the Monaro electorate, speaking about the importance of positive body image messaging being taught in our schools.

Molly is a terrific ambassador for our region’s young people and is doing an excellent job as the Youth Council’s publicity officer.

Council’s Resource and Waste Education team is holding information displays throughout the region to help people improve their recycling techniques.

The team has visited Cooma and Bombala, and on Wednesday 11 November will hold a display in the Nuggets Crossing courtyard between 10am and 2pm.

NAIDOC Week is being celebrated this week and to get involved locally you can visit a Declared Aboriginal Place (Coolamatong in Cooma, Curiosity Rocks in Jindabyne, Delegate Aboriginal Reserve in Delegate), purchase Aboriginal artworks at a visitor information centre, or view the NAIDOC collection and Ngarigo storyboards at the Cooma Library.

Wednesday is Remembrance Day and we pause to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who have served our nation in all wars and conflicts.

We remember those who never made it home and thank them for their service. We will always remember. Lest we forget.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council