From the Mayor - 24 July 2024

I am writing my final column with a very heavy heart but a sense of anticipation for the outcome of the upcoming local government elections on Saturday 14 September.

To all households, especially those with young adults, the final day for registering to vote is 5 August. Active people power participating in the democratic process and the value of local independence are privileges never to be taken for granted and I leave the role knowing I have upheld and maintained these fundamental principles.

Over time, I have written about achievements that have made a positive difference to the lives of all residents. The fight to stay independent, the focus on environmental preservation and sustainability, improved amenity for all, but especially girls and our less able, at many of our sporting facilities, the ongoing commitment to the creative arts, the completion of the Allan Border Oval Pavilion, improvements to the village square and finally the vision to rebuild our beloved library into a state-of-the-art community space, library and youth hub.

One Council project awaiting completion is the proposed upgrade to the amenity and facilities at Middle Head Oval. The oval sits on Sydney Harbour Federation Trust land and is leased to Mosman Council. Contrary to current circulating misinformation, the upgrade has been a listed project for a number of years in our community strategic plan, MOSPLAN. Council respects the natural environment and heritage of the historic Middle Head precinct but recognises the 1970s amenities block is not heritage listed and its removal and replacement with a carefully designed and heritage sympathetic new building will not have a significant impact on the environment or heritage of Middle Head. The Trust is the approval authority and it is vital for the community to have your say with the public exhibition closing on 29 July. Visit harbourtrust.gov.au/have-your-say.

I have three final official Mayoral duties to conduct, a Citizenship Ceremony on 25 July, and in August the opening of the 2024 Mosman Art Prize and the Mosman Youth Awards in Literature awards presentation. These events, as always, fill me and all attendees with immense community pride. It has been such an incredible honour and privilege to serve as your Mayor, and I sincerely thank residents for their overwhelming kindness and support over the years.