While I have many cheerful things to talk about, first I would like to share something that is sobering but cannot be ignored.

In our community, there are women and girls at risk of domestic violence. You may know them. You may not. But they are here among us, and they are living in a way some of us can’t even imagine.

That is why, at council, we are marking 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

The 16 Days of Activism, led by UN Women, runs from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, to Human Rights Day on December 10.

This year’s theme is Ending Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.

In honour of the annual campaign, council is once again partnering with the Gunnedah CommUNITY Action Team to host a candlelight vigil and free community barbecue on Wednesday, December 10 from 7pm-9pm in the Smithurst courtyard.

I encourage you to come along and show your support for this vital campaign and commemorate the many lives lost to domestic violence this year.

It is a busy time of year in the shire, and I am pleased to invite residents to Gunnedah Shire’s Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, November 28 in Brock’s Court.

There will be a free barbecue and live music from The Uke-Alypts and the Gunnedah Conservatorium from 7pm, and I am looking forward to lighting the tree at 7:30pm.

Santa will also pop his head in, so families can get some Christmas photos with the man himself.

I am not hosting the Mayoral Christmas party this year, so I am excited to invite everyone to this family-friendly event to mark the start of the festive season.

While we are speaking about community, I’d like to remind residents that there is still time to donate a present or two to the Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal before it closes at the end of next week.

This initiative is an ongoing partnership

between council and Gunnedah Salvation Army.

Many families in our community have been doing it tough, so what better way to bring some joy this Christmas than by giving to those who need it most.

Pop your unwrapped presents under the Christmas tree at council’s administration building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, or in the Wishing Well at the Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street. The cut-off is 5pm on Friday, December 5.

In more good news, council has endorsed new members for four working groups – Mark Brown for the Crime Prevention Working Group, Timathy Richter, Lauren Muggleton and Ray Gaynor for the Access Working Group, Michelle Hobden for the Youth Working Group, and Jo-an Cabanas for the Australia Day Working Group.

Congratulations to Mark, Timathy, Lauren, Ray, Michelle and Jo-an. I look forward to seeing what can be achieved in these groups.

I also want to add that positions are still available across some categories in the Youth Working Group and the Australia Day Working Group.

To find out more about these opportunities and how you can get involved, contact council or visit council’s website.