From the Mayor - 29 September 2021

Thank you Mosman for getting your COVID jabs because vaccination is the way out of this pandemic. High vaccination rates will decrease the transmission potential over time and provide the opportunity for governments to focus on protecting our most vulnerable communities and groups. Currently in Mosman our most vulnerable group in relation to vaccine uptake is the 12-39 year olds, significant given our school children are preparing to return to classrooms and our young adults are getting ready to party.

The community is eagerly awaiting the reopening of all our non-essential businesses and the Mosman Chamber of Commerce continues to actively encourage residents to 'Think Mosman First' by shopping locally. To super charge the re-opening the Chamber is soon to launch an exciting new promotional campaign in the lead up to Christmas 2021. Details for the 'Drop Your Dollars in Mosman' campaign will soon be posted on both the Chamber and Council websites.

Staying with local, a number of dedicated residents are working overtime to collect food and other household items for distribution to communities affected by the COVID lockdown. The Inner West Mayor has acknowledged the commitment and work ethic of our volunteers, which is greatly appreciated by all at the drop off centre in Marrickville. To support this worthy cause, a collection box has been placed in Library Walk near Barry O’Keefe Library. For more information please visit 'Operation – we are caring communities' on Facebook.

The new pavilion at Allan Border Oval is starting to take shape. The pavilion will serve the Mosman community and sporting clubs for at least the next half century and alongside the planned upgrade to the Mosman Civic Square and Village Green, will make this loved public precinct more connected and more accessible. Council encourages and welcomes feedback on the draft design concept for the precinct until 11 October at yourvoicemosman.com.au.

In closing, the NSW government has proposed draconian legislation that will cut dead Council’s ability to collect developer contributions that are currently used to provide essential community facilities, like the new Pavilion and the Civic Square. Mayors across Sydney have been actively advocating for their communities and I formed part of a delegation that met with the Planning Minister under the leadership of Lord Mayor, Clover Moore. I appreciate the close collaboration and support of my fellow Councillors on this important issue and we will continue to stand up for this community.