A month of progress

This month marked International Women’s Day and I was pleased to attend two significant events in keeping with the theme of Press for Progress. At Council’s International Women’s Day Breakfast Mosman’s own internationally acclaimed soprano Amelia Farrugia wooed the sell-out audience including school-age boys and girls as she spoke of how she overcame numerous challenges to pursue her dreams. I also attended the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) 2018 Conference in Gundagai and warmly congratulated our very own staff member Soraya Mahomed who won the ALGWA scholarship to pursue further studies in engineering.

Other staff members have been busy presenting the must-see 30th Mosman Youth Art Prize exhibition, which is currently displaying works by the 200 young finalists selected from more than 300 entries received from around Australia until 15 April, and our annual Seniors Festival which runs from 4 to 13 April.

I am looking forward to officially launching the Seniors Festival at a special High Tea at the Seniors Centre on April 6 and particularly want to thank Council’s Community Care staff who put together the program.

On a strategic level, Councillors and staff have been working together to finalise our delivery program, operational plan and budget to set the direction for Council in 2018/19. Council has also listened and responded to community requests for improvements to the liveability and accessibility of our village. Work will soon commence at Centenary Circle in Mosman Junction to better link Prince Albert Street, Bradleys Head and Middle Head Roads to ensure pedestrians can safely access the precinct and to improve public amenity including more opportunities for outdoor dining. Council is fully cognisant residents will experience traffic disruption and I ask all residents for understanding and support during the construction process.

I wish everyone a happy and safe Easter.