From the Mayor - 27 March 2024
The 2024 World Happiness Report by the UN, Gallup World Polls and the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, named Australia the 10th happiest country in the world. Here at Council, we’re doing everything we can to improve that ranking as we continue to foster and emphasise the positive impact of social connection and community participation within all age groups in our community.
I urge our young residents to share their priorities and interests by participating in Council’s MYvoice youth consultation survey. The survey closes on 30 April and is conducted every four years. The results will inform and shape Council’s responses to the challenges our young people are facing and provides them the opportunity to have their voice heard.
It was so heartening to hear Council received 325 entries for the 2024 Mosman Youth Art Prize with the official opening street party coming to Art Gallery Way on Saturday 6 April from 12–3pm. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun events plus view the finalists and acknowledge the winners.
Fun and friendship are essential ingredients when parents, grandparents and carers participate with our precious 0–5 year olds at the popular Council-run Connections Playgroup held in the Drill Hall, now happening on Tuesdays as well as Fridays from 10am–12pm.
The 2024 Seniors Festival activities and celebrations have come to a very successful and happy conclusion. The festival was an outstanding success and the dedicated Community Care Team, led by Sally Severino, needs to be applauded and congratulated. Staying with our seniors, Council recently partnered with Dementia Australia to provide training for 64 local businesses, organisations, volunteers and community members. As always, education is the key and with dementia now impacting the lives of more than 400,000 Australians, Council is committed to taking action and making Mosman a more dementia–friendly community.
It is now more than a month since an act of vandalism, attempting to poison nine of the beautiful figs at Balmoral, was discovered. Fortunately, the trees have survived, but
we remain vigilant. Thank you for all your amazing support as Council and Police continue to investigate the matter.
In closing, Happy Easter long weekend celebrations and for our school-attending families, enjoy the upcoming school holidays.