From the Mayor - 26 April 2023

I recently wrote to Bill Purdy DFC, a bomber command pilot in WWII congratulating him on turning 100. I have invited Bill to be my guest at the Mosman Historical Society’s book launch of Mosman: Times Gone By. The event, part of the National Trust of Australia’s Heritage Festival, will take place at Barry O’Keefe Library on Wednesday 3 May. Bookings via events.mosman.nsw.gov.au.

The long-awaited draft master plan for Middle Head remains open for public comment until 9 May. Council has submitted a formal response and has also held a very constructive meeting with the Trust’s Chairman, Joseph Carrozzi, and the Executive Director, Janet Carding. In April, Council was unanimous in calling on the Trust to leave Middle Head Oval as an active sporting precinct and for the facilities block to both remain in its current position and for the Trust to give Council the green light to rebuild so that a fully accessible amenity will be available for both sports users and the general public. I am aware there is a ‘Save Middle Head Oval’ petition in circulation but I strongly encourage residents to participate in the formal Trust consultation process so their voice is heard by the appropriate authority.

Council has set a long term 10-year plan to rebuild the Barry O’Keefe Library and this will be one topic of conversation at our ‘Town Hall’ style community meeting to be held at 6.30pm on Thursday 18 May at the Grand Hall, Mosman Art Gallery. We are at the half way mark of this Council and all Councillors will be given the opportunity to briefly address the audience.  This is your chance to have your say and listen to others in the community. Space is limited to 200 and bookings are available on events.mosman.nsw.gov.au.

With fantastic foresight and strong support from Council, Ken Done AM opened the inaugural Mosman Youth Art Prize in 1988 and over the years Mosman has proudly witnessed the event grow in stature and reputation. On Saturday 6 May the Gallery is promising a sensational opening event and will welcome judge Natasha Walsh, a previous winner, to announce the 2023 winners. Don’t miss it!