From the Mayor - 30 August 2023
Next Tuesday I warmly invite residents to come along to our September Council Meeting when I will deliver a Mayoral Minute to honour the late Professor Mary Louise McLaws AO. Many accolades have been written about Professor Mary Louise McLaws scientific work and superb communication skills, both internationally and here in Australia, but I want to focus in on Mary Louise’s contribution to Mosman, her home for nearly 20 years. I will also recognise and thank Justice Paul Stein, former head of the Land and Environment Court, for his significant contribution as he steps down as Inaugural Chair of the Mosman Local Planning Panel (MLPP). Mosman Council led the local government sector by establishing an independent planning panel to determine DA’s in 2011, well before the State Government mandated their establishment in 2017.
September heralds the start of Spring, our first Spring Market Day and the popular yearly tradition of HSC/IB Lock In Nights at our Library and Youth Centre. Commencing on 11 September experienced mentors and educators will be available to assist and encourage our young scholars and possibly calm frayed nerves.
Established in 1947, an amazing 1,295 entries were received for the 2023 Mosman Art Prize. This year we are delighted to welcome artist Fiona Lowry to select the winning artworks and honour the artists. A visit to the exhibition which runs from 23 September until 29 October is a ‘must-do’ and I encourage residents and visitors to vote for the Mosman Art Society supported Viewers’ Choice Award.
Many positive legacies flowed from the superb FIFA Women’s World Cup, including discussion around providing female friendly facilities at football and sporting ovals. This is indeed timely given the revised Middle Head Master Plan is on public exhibition until 21 September. I urge residents to make a submission in support of Council’s intention to upgrade the amenities block at Middle Head Oval, which will follow the planned upgrade at Georges Heights Oval, to ensure healthier, safer and more accessible amenities for all our sports players and visitors.
In closing, I wish all families and their children a safe and healthy September school holiday period as they prepare to head into the final school term for 2023.