Excited to see youth interest in Mayor for a Day program

I’M excited to share that some young people will be joining me for our Mayor for a Day program during NSW Local Government Week (3–9 August).

On Tuesday 4 August, I’ll be sharing what I do in my role as mayor of the Gunnedah Shire and giving local secondary students a taste of civic leadership.

One of the special activities we have planned is a morning tea with current and past trainees and apprentices of council so our participants can see just how many career pathways there are in local government, and how rewarding it can be.

I’m a strong believer in the significance of councils and the integral role they play in their local communities. I am proud to be leading Gunnedah Shire Council, and I am looking forward to sharing these insights with our students.

While we are on the topic of community, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Paul Hartley for serving 52 years with Gunnedah Fire and Rescue NSW, and Peter Patterson for serving 38 years as a paramedic, rounding out his time with the Gunnedah team.

Both of these dedicated and experienced first responders are heading into retirement, and it is clear from the comments flowing on social media that these two men have had a profound effect on this shire.

We thank you for your service, for your sacrifices and for your contributions to our community. We wish you all the best for the next chapter.

Congratulations also goes to Kevan Kiellor who is our newest Australian citizen following a ceremony at council on Monday.

Kevan is a long-time resident of Carroll and is heavily involved in our community, establishing strong roots in our shire. It is always a privilege to facilitate the Australian citizenship of outstanding community members such as Kevan. Welcome, Kevan! We are glad you have joined us.

I encourage Gunnedah Shire residents to review council’s draft Artificial Intelligence Policy, and resolution 11.7/26 – Gunnedah Hospital Helicopter Landing Site – from last week’s council meeting. Both of these items are on public exhibition on council’s website and customer service at the Elgin Street office, and residents are able to make submissions within the 28-day exhibition period.

Council is continuing its fight for the Helicopter Landing Site to be restored at the Gunnedah Hospital, and we thank our local member The Hon. Kevin Anderson MP and The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC.

At Wednesday’s meeting, we endorsed a resolution proposing the introduction of a new landing fee at the Gunnedah Airport for aircraft greater than 5,700kg, and a determination to write to NSW Health to request that they conduct an appropriate audit of the facilities within two months, or we will notify them that council facilities, including the airport, are no longer open to patient transfer by helicopter.

Discussions are continuing with Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) who have since agreed to undertake the audit of the airport. This is a changing landscape, and it is my great hope that HNELHD will see the sense of reinstating the helipad at the Gunnedah Hospital and achieve the outcome our community deserves.

I will continue to push for the right resolution for our shire.

COLLEEN FULLER,

MAYOR, GUNNEDAH SHIRE COUNCIL