Mayoral Message - November 2023

Published on 01 November 2023

With the arrival of warmer weather, I’ve been out and about in the community attending some great events.

I was pleased to attend the launch of the NSW Yass Valley Small Business Month at the delightful Murrumbateman Chocolate Co venue on Nanima Road. This collaboration between the Yass Valley Business Chamber and the Yass Valley Council for our Small Business Month celebration saw nine great events take place across the Yass Valley Region. It presented a great opportunity for business owners to collaborate, learn and connect with each other. I was honoured to speak at the launch, which couldn’t have been held at a more delectable location!

It's been good to see that work is continuing and there has been steady progress on the skatepark extension at Victoria Park. I know there will be community members excited to use the skatepark when it’s completed which at this stage is scheduled in December 2023.

On 11 October, I joined Yass Valley Council CEO, Chris Berry and Infrastructure Director, Nathan Cook at the Transport NSW Safety Leader Summit in Sydney. A lot to take in but well worthwhile! It was a valuable opportunity for the three of us to learn more about how we can keep our community safe.

I was pleased to attend the Annual General meeting of the Yass Valley Can Assist. The Can Assist is a highly respected organisation that exists entirely for the purpose of helping others. Now in its twentieth year, the organisation has raised and distributed more than $800,000 to assist those suffering with cancer in the Yass Valley community. It was a great pleasure to listen to Vice President and foundation member, Neil Turner present an informative (and at times humorous) history of the organisation and its progress over the years. It was my utmost pleasure to award Yass Roo’s footballer, Kyle McKenzie for raising more than $6000 for the cause by shaving his head, beard and eyebrows.

Decked out in a high-vis vest, I was glad to join Ministers, Kristy McBain MP, Jenny Aicherson MP, Catherine King MP and ACT Member for Fenner, Andrew Leigh, to cut the ribbon across the newly constructed Stage One of the Barton Highway Duplication in preparation for its opening on 7 November, weather permitting. A truly historic occasion for what will hopefully enhance safety and travel conditions for NSW and ACT motorists.

It was wonderful to meet and speak to the members of the Yass Probus Club for their 24th anniversary. I left as happy as can be after meeting the friendly group of retirees – they really know how to enjoy themselves!

I recently called in to see the Men’s Shed, towing a broken side table along with me. What I’d intended as a quick drop in resulted in a cuppa and a yarn. They’ve really created a home away from home for themselves. Always a pleasure to duck in.

Presented by Council CEO, Chris Berry and Director of Planning, Julie Rogers. I sat in the well attended North Murrumbateman Masterplan Meeting. Discussing probity, planning for development and planning for community facilities, the meeting was followed by a lengthy question and answer session. It was a valuable step in getting the community up to date with the current planning status and was a good opportunity to raise concerns and ask important questions. A big thank you to the Murrumbateman Primary School for their help and assistance with this meeting.

After months of anticipation for the Murrumbateman Field Days, I sure wasn’t let down! A big thank you to Murrumbateman Community Association President, Ian McCall for the personal invitation and a huge congratulations to everyone involved in organising such an incredible event. I was lucky enough to see former Yass Mayor, Ken Helm AM as well as local member, Wendy Tuckerman MP on the grounds.

Until next month,

Allan McGrath