SUMMER 2020
COMMUNITY NEWS Message from the Mayor Christmas is almost here and we’re in the home stretch for 2020. Many of us would feel a sense of relief after a year of unparalleled challenges, on top of what had already been a tough few years beforehand. The onset of COVID-19 and the broad implications this had on every aspect of our life could not have been imagined this time last year, but the fact we have managed to keep this insidious virus at bay in our region is commendable. Of course, there’s still a long way to go and I urge you to stay alert over Christmas and the New Year by practicing social distancing and good hygiene, adhering to gathering rules and other parts of the Public Health Order, and getting tested if you have symptoms. The reopening of borders across the country is extremely positive, but it also means we must be more vigilant than ever. Many Christmas festivities could not go ahead this year and this was unfortunate, but it was simply the way it had to be. I think this year has taught us all to appreciate the smaller things and Christmas will provide this opportunity. Our new Christmas decorations throughout each town certainly add some cheer to each community.
Some people may still find the Christmas period a difficult one, so I urge you to connect with each other, particularly those that are alone. There are support services available if you or someone you know needs them. Contact details for support networks are available on our website. On the positive side, the La Nina event has brought welcome rains, resulting in one of the best seasons for some years. When agriculture is doing well, the outlook for our whole area is positive and our area certainly deserves a bumper harvest this year.
Darlington Point. Funded through the NSW Government’s Boating Now Program and the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, it will be much appreciated by one and all when this long-awaited project is complete. In Coleambally, the work is completed on John McInnes Square and the community will soon be seeing public art appearing in the township. Our whole area will see a vivid injection of public art as we have two different public art projects underway. We believe this art will play an important role in making our towns more attractive places to live and visit. The concepts for the artwork have been on display and I thank you all for your interest. Continued p.2
Our swimming season is in full swing, with free pool entry again being warmly received by locals and visitors alike. Swimming lessons are available in each of our three towns and I encourage you to enrol your children and equip them with this skill for life. Likewise, I encourage you to supervise Physie girls doing great things_____ children in and around water at all Murrumbidgee Council Scholarship__ times. Major projects for 2020___________ Our new pool complex at Jerilderie Bunyips in the Bidgee____________ is open and is proving tremendously popular. This $1.96 million upgrade Murrumbidgee Trails campaign_____ was funded through the NSW Happy birthday Nancy!___________ Government’s Stronger Country Communities and Stronger Community support services_______ Communities funds. I congratulate Is your pool compliant?___________ the Council staff and contractors who have worked on this project, which has Swimming Pool times/contacts_____ resulted in a superb complex that will Thinking of building or developing?_ be enjoyed for many years to come. Australia Day___________________ Also nearing completion is the Boat
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Congratulations!________________ 7
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