Reflections of mayoral term

As this mayoral term comes to an end, I have been reflecting on what an incredible privilege it has been to serve and lead our community for the last 12 months. 

While we have achieved so much and have done some great things for our community, I think the greatest highlight for me has been meeting so many wonderful people across Hobsons Bay. 

From volunteers and community groups to local businesses, families and young people, I have loved every moment of being out and about, talking to people and hearing their stories. 

Looking back, there’s been plenty of great things to celebrate from the year that was. 

I was proud to be involved with our new Community Recognition Awards, giving us an opportunity to celebrate the wide range of contributions community members give to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Some great progress was made at the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre, with stage one works complete. I can’t wait to see the site continue to evolve as we advocate for funding for future stages. 

And after a few years of planning and development, I was thrilled to see the new inclusive McCormack Park playground open for our young people of all abilities to enjoy. 

Part of the role of being Mayor is getting out to a wide range of community events. I was lucky to attend markets, festivals, exhibitions, openings and so much more to see the passion and creativity of our community firsthand.  

The Woods Street Youth Art Prize was a highlight among these. The talent of our young people was a wonderful reminder of the bright future ahead for Hobsons Bay, and it was a pleasure to present the Mayoral Award as part of the event. 

Being Mayor is also about advocating for our community's needs, serving as the voice of Council. 

Community safety has been an important focus, and we have written to the government several times and done some great work to advocate for the safety of our community. 

I also enjoyed working with other councils, through connections like the M9 partnership, hearing about the experiences of councils across Melbourne and how we can learn from one another and support our communities. 

Serving as Mayor has been an incredible honour, an opportunity I embraced with passion, to continue to give back to our wonderful community and city.