Mayoral Matters - December 2024
Published on 12 December 2024
December 2024 - Mayoral Matters
On Wednesday 20 November 2024, at the Statutory Meeting of Council I was honoured to be elected as Mayor for the 24/25 Term. I will be joined by Cr Andrew McLean as Deputy Mayor, and I wish to congratulate Cr McLean on being elected by his fellow Councillors.
We have hit the ground running as a newly elected Council, undertaking the affirmation of office on 28 October, followed by three days of Councillor training, to ensure we meet the requirements of the Local Government Act and supporting regulations.
A lot has happened between entering election period and establishing the new Council.
The Warracknabeal Caravan Park amenities block has been completed, and we held the opening on Wednesday 04 December 2024.
Warracknabeal Playgroup has 'found' a home within the Warracknabeal Library. After discussion with President Natalie Hewitt and other committee members in conjunction with Sarah Collins, Manager Community Strengthening and Engagement, the opportunity to collocate with the library and share the space was met with excitement. This allows playgroup to have access to the library/playgroup area outside allocated playgroup hours and provides community members the opportunity to engage also. The shared space is a fantastic way to look at multi-generational and multi-use facilities while extending the literacy and library functions across our community.
The Warracknabeal Kindergarten carpark has been completed, and the landscaping is close to completion. The staff are working hard to ensure the new building and surrounds are open for the 2025 school year.
The Dunmunkle Community Library Precinct, stage 2 works are coming along well with the project due for completion no later than the 10 January 2025. We look forward to the opening which is scheduled for the 14 February 2025, and sharing this revitalised asset with the community.
The building contracts for the affordable houses in Rupanyup, Hopetoun and Warracknabeal have all been signed, and building permits issued. The construction has commenced in Rupanyup with the slab being poured. The community will see action in Warracknabeal and Hopetoun early in the new year.
We are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Commonwealth Housing Support Program, with an announcement envisaged by the end of the year.
On Tuesday 29 October, in conjunction with Hindmarsh Shire, Emerge Early Years Services and Wimmera Southern Mallee ByFive, we welcomed Dr Anne Webster MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health and Angie Bell MP, Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education to our Shire. We discussed the lack of childcare and the impact it has on our communities from a social health, wellbeing, economic and financial perspective.
We strongly advocated for:
- Block funding for rural childcare providers;
- Intergrated long daycare, with sessional kindergarten on school sites;
- Incentives for early childhood professionals to live and work in rural Victoria; and
- Affordable housing to recruit, attract and retain early childhood professionals in our communities.
As a Council, we urge both sides of Government to address the disparities and lack of access to childcare in our rural communities.
Every family and child deserve access to high quality childhood education and care - its non-negotiable.
As we enter the Christmas and holiday season, I wish everyone a safe, happy and merry Christmas.
END OF RELEASE
Cr Kylie Zanker
Mayor