From the Mayor - 28 March 2019
It was my absolute honour and great pleasure to welcome Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir as guest speaker at our International Women’s Day breakfast on 8 March. Mosman Council has hosted IWD events for many years and the then Governor Dame Marie Bashir also spoke at our IWD centenary celebrations in 2011. A highlight this year was the record number of children and young adults in attendance. Council welcomed students and teachers from eight local schools, and Professor Bashir delivered wise and positive words to motivate and encourage them on their journey forward. It was a moving and inspirational morning.
In the dark shadow of the shocking tragedy in New Zealand, our school children participated in Harmony Day. This day, held annually on 21 March, coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and encourages everyone to think about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.
For our young adults, the Young Entrepreneurs’ Hub is up and running, and until July is offering free workshops to help them develop their entrepreneurial skills.
Council has been receiving very positive feedback on our street beautification projects of the flower tiers and roundabout improvements. I am pleased to announce two more roundabouts, at Belmont and Cowles Roads, and The Esplanade and Botanic Road, are scheduled to also be upgraded next financial year.
This month Councillors were also involved in a budget workshop, to re-examine and re-assess our objectives and priorities for Council’s delivery program and operational plans. I am pleased to inform residents that whilst still undertaking a range of important capital works projects, we are on track to deliver a modest operating surplus this year.
In closing, Council is shocked and horrified to learn of the charges against a former swim coach at Mosman Swim Centre. While Council owns this facility, it is not involved in any way with the centre’s operations or management, and we are assured that the operator is co-operating fully with the police.