Mayor's Message 28 June, 2024

Hi everyone, 

 

It was a marathon Council meeting on Tuesday night, with Council considering a huge agenda, including adoption of the 2024/25 budget.

 

Before the business side of the meeting got underway, we had great delight in welcoming and acknowledging several community members who’re not only extremely passionate about our shire, but wonderful ambassadors.

 

Beechworth Tidy Towns stalwarts Iris Mannik and Anne Wilson (pictured below) presented Council with the 2024 National Tidy Town of the Year award and spoke about their experiences in the remote West Australian town of Gascoyne Junction which hosted this year’s awards.

 

Councillors also acknowledged the significant contributions of former Shire Councillor Frances Walsh to the East Timorese Friendship Group and the enduring connection between Indigo Shire and Atauro Island. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Council’s relationship with the people of Atauro Island and Frances has been actively involved in all that time.

 

It was pleasing to hear many of our Councillors speak so favourably about the 2024/25 budget, acknowledging the work that goes into delivering a balanced budget within the 2.75% government rate cap.

 

Councillors also reflected on the huge number of projects delivered during the first three years of the Council Plan. When we stop to consider the enormity of many of these projects and the positive impact on our community, I think it’s fair to say we have achieved a great deal.

 

This includes adoption of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, Indigo Creative Arts Strategy, Chiltern Community Hub, Indigo Epic trail, Kiewa Multi-purpose Pavilion, Wahgunyah Multipurpose hardcourts and lighting upgrade, Beechworth Tennis Courts at Baarmutha Park, Wooragee Tennis Courts, Changing Places facility Yackandandah and the list goes on.

 

On a very different note, if you follow the local AFL, you’ll know that this weekend’s Indigenous Round match between Beechworth and Chiltern at Chiltern is expected to be a nail biter. With Beechworth only ahead on percentage, both teams are eager to cement their place on top of the Tallangatta & District Football League ladder.

 

While the forecast doesn’t look great, I encourage as many people as possible to head to Chiltern and get behind their local team. Go Chiltern….

 

Have a safe weekend.