From the Mayor - 30 January 2020
Collectively we feel deep despair about the devastating bushfires that have received 24/7 news coverage across Australia and around the world. However, I would like to focus on the positive value and the critical importance of volunteerism that has repeatedly underpinned community-led responses in fire-ravaged areas. The themes of strong local leadership, teamwork, community spirit and resilience have been critical to the extraordinary co-ordinated response, led so impressively by Rural Fire Service Chief, Shane Fitzsimmons and our Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
In the spirit of giving and providing much-needed financial assistance to bushfire-affected communities, many residents have either already donated or asked how they can help and Council’s website has information about these options at mosman.nsw.gov.au. The outpouring of community generosity follows on from the astonishing 850 gifts that were distributed as part of Council’s Christmas Gift Appeal to drought-affected areas across NSW by Mosman resident Selina Win Pe.
In the spirit of community resilience, Mosman could not function without its thriving and growing number of volunteers who serve our community and residents in a range of roles. If you are interested in volunteering in 2020 please contact the Volunteers’ Office on 9978 4126 or email volunteer@mosman.nsw.gov.au.
A new member of staff for Council’s Environmental team will be one of the tangible results of Council’s resolution to intensify our commitment to long-term sustainable climate action. In recognising the imperative for strong local leadership and the desire of our community to participate and be included in the process, interested community members will soon be invited to engage and provide input as staff develop Council’s Resilience Strategy and Climate Action Plan.
And in the spirit of terrific teamwork, I acknowledge the Prince Albert Street Christmas street party which raised over $28,000 for the Garvan Institute Research Foundation. On behalf of the entire Mosman community I sincerely thank the wonderful organising committee and residents for their creative efforts and community commitment to such an important cause.
In closing, Council looks forward to working with the community in 2020 as we all pull together for a year of achievement and inclusiveness.