From the Mayor - 30 May 2019

Grounded in Truth – Walk Together with Courage is the theme for 2019 National Reconciliation Week this week. Recently Council was asked to join with other Councils across NSW to display the NSW Parliament petition requesting the permanent flying of the Indigenous flag on top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, alongside the Australian and NSW flags. Currently, the Indigenous flag is put up and taken down for specific events rather than left to fly over our glorious Harbour that witnessed the first known non-indigenous landing by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788. The petition will be available in the Civic Centre foyer throughout June and July.

Sydney is spectacularly lit up for Vivid 2019 with Mosman’s Taronga Zoo again being a major attraction. The I8 day event is the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas and I applaud the NSW Government’s commitment to sustainability with all grid connected lighting installations powered by 100% renewable energy. On the subject of sustainability, I encourage residents to visit the Mosman Youth Art Prize exhibition before it closes on 9 June, as so many of our budding artists chose environmental themes. The maturity and quality of work is awe inspiring, especially when you consider the artists are between 12 and 21 years of age.

I was delighted to attend the inaugural Small Business Friendly Councils Conference recently and look forward to taking lessons learnt to the upcoming Mosman Chamber of Commerce AGM, when Councillors will participate in a Q&A with local businesses. Council continues to work collaboratively and constructively with local businesses and recently endorsed an increase to funds available through the Military Road Conservation Area Heritage Fund. Details can be found on Council’s website.

Lastly, congratulations to the 83 wonderful volunteers recognised recently for their milestone years of contribution to our community. It is amazingly heart-warming that Mosman has hundreds of volunteers playing a vital role in the provision of local services and programs. I encourage interested residents to visit the Volunteer Expo at Mosman Square and Village Green today from 12pm, to learn about local volunteering opportunities.