Having had the honour and privilege of serving the Benalla community for the last two years as mayor, I can now announce that after careful consideration and deliberation with councillor colleagues I won’t be seeking a third year.
This journey has been nothing short of incredible. I’ve cherished every moment. As mayor, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the unwavering spirit and resilience of the people of Benalla Rural City. You have allowed me to be fully immersed in every aspect of our community, participating in a wide array of events. Benalla is a place teeming with opportunities and filled with extraordinary individuals.
Together, we have faced various challenges, from economic fluctuations to natural disasters. Yet, our community has consistently come together in times of need, demonstrating the strength and unity that define our city.
Over the past two years, we have achieved so much, and I am proud of our accomplishments. I’ll never forget my very first day as mayor on Remembrance Day in 2021, when I had the privilege of placing a wreath at the cenotaph in honour of those who gave their lives for us. It was an honour like no other.
Some of the accomplishments I’m most proud of during my tenure as mayor and that of this council include:
• Presiding over five citizenship ceremonies where we welcome many new Australian citizens.
• Planned for and delivered the Churchill Reserve Dog Park.
• Delivered four new playgrounds for our community.
• Built and opened the new Waste Transfer Station and landfill cell.
• Successfully securing funding for the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre — $15m.
• Overseeing a housing development boom that has delivered hundreds of new residential blocks to foster our community’s growth.
• Completing one of our most significant projects to date, the redevelopment of the Visitor Information Centre, which includes a new, centrally located cinema for our entire community to enjoy.
We have also invested in infrastructure projects that have enhanced the liveability of our city, from improved road networks to upgraded public spaces. Our unwavering commitment to sustainability has made Benalla an environmentally responsible and forward-thinking community.
I am particularly proud of our efforts in promoting cultural and recreational activities that foster a sense of togetherness. Our vibrant arts scene and community events have not only entertained our residents but have also drawn visitors to Benalla, boosting our local economy.
During my term, we have made strides in improving community engagement, encouraging open dialogues, empowering residents, and listening to your needs and concerns. It’s crucial that local government remains accessible and responsive to the people it serves.
As I prepare to vacate the role of mayor, I am profoundly grateful for the trust and support you have shown me. This experience has been both humbling and rewarding. I have the utmost confidence in the future of our city, knowing that it will continue to thrive and flourish, building upon the foundations we have laid during my tenure.
I want to assure you that for the next 12 months, I will continue to work diligently for the betterment of Benalla and our cherished community.
I would like to acknowledge the councillors for the opportunity to serve as mayor and thank my deputy, Cr Justin King, for his support and guidance.
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