This is democracy at work at its most grassroots level, a fundamental cornerstone of Australian society, and I thank you for playing your part in this important process. Voting for community members to represent you is a privilege not afforded to everyone, and voting for local government representatives is where ‘the rubber meets the road’. By their nature, councils consist of local people making decisions about local issues for the benefit of their immediate community.
I want to commend the outgoing Councillor group for their contributions over the past 2½ years or so, noting we had a shorter term because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot has been achieved over this period, from the completion and opening of our beautiful Riverside Precinct to the completion of our Material Recovery Facility and the recent approval for Stage 1 of the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre redevelopment.
We’re now embarking on a new chapter in the AlburyCity story, with a new Councillor group ready to go to work with fresh perspectives and ideas. While the official declaration of results is still a couple of weeks away, the retirement of a number of Councillors enables some new and returning faces in the chamber when Council next meets on 14 October. Preceded by Councillors undertaking the oath or affirmation of office, this meeting's sole purpose will be to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor among other administrative requirements.
Between now and late October, Councillors will undergo an intensive induction program to familiarise them with the workings of Council, understand their role and responsibilities and allow them to hit the ground running.
This includes a bus tour of our AlburyCity facilities, along with sessions on codes of practice, key policies, communication skills and awareness, planning laws and an overview of the key functional areas of Council – among much more.
The 28 October meeting will be where the new Council will officiate over Council business for the first time, considering a range of issues and making decisions for and on behalf of the community.
I trust you’ll join me in wishing the new Council all the best for the journey ahead – noting our Council’s opening affirmation before each meeting: “may their efforts be blessed with insight, wisdom and common sense, and may their personal values give them honesty and courage to serve our community effectively and with respect for all”.
Frank Zaknich
AlburyCity CEO