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Mayor's Message - 13 March 2025 - Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick

Each fortnight, Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick shares his insights on his community conversations, ongoing project progress, events and activities. Stay connected and collaborate to share the future of our community.

Russell Fitzpatrick, Mayor of Bega Valley Shire.

Authorised by Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick

13 March 2025

It was great to attend the 100-year Celebration of the Wolumla Memorial Gates last Saturday and enjoyed the exhibition of the history of those who served at the Wolumla Town Hall.
Well done to the Merimbula RSL Sub Branch, Merimbula Lions, and the Wolumla School and students who contributed to mark the special occasion. A highlight was the Bega Bands’ performance, especially meaningful as they had also played at the official opening a century ago. We are so lucky to see them still thriving today.

L-R Mayor Kenrick Winchester, Mayor Chris Hannah, Mayor Julia Ham, Mayor Dallas Tout, Deputy Mayor Tricia Hopkins.

Image: L-R Mayor Kenrick Winchester, Mayor Chris Hannah, Mayor Julia Ham, Mayor Dallas Tout, Deputy Mayor Tricia Hopkins.

Last week, I attended the Canberra Joint Organisation Meeting at Cabramurra, and saw the rebuilding works by Snowy Hydro since the destruction caused by the 2019/20 bushfires.
The engineering and vision of the original scheme creators is truly amazing. Collaborating with 11 other Councils in the Joint Organisation allows for outcomes that individual councils can’t achieve alone.

The Bermagui Sculpture by the Sea was an amazing week-long event that showcased the community’s efforts.

Last Sunday the Bemboka Show was a great day out, with Don Spence in charge. The pavilion with produce and flowers was outstanding.

Bemboka Show pavilion showcasing fruit and vegtables for judging.

Image: Bemboka fruit and veg produce.

Rate rises are hard for Councils - this year (2025) six more Councils have applied to IPART for substantial rate increases. This is not something our Council did this year after previously implementing special rate variations.

It’s disappointing that no political parties are willing to address funding for local government to fix what is clearly a broken funding system. Last year, Rural and Regional Councils had combined operating losses of over $350 million with no other income alternative but rates and charges. If you are interested in the views of Professor Joseph Drew on what’s occurring in local government click here

Today is the Bega Valley Silver Seniors Summit Conference with Jean Kitson. On Saturday, the Pambula Sporting Complex opening at 10am, and next Tuesday is a Citizenship Ceremony at the Bega Commemorative Civic Centre, also at 10am. Next Wednesday is our scheduled Council Meeting.

There are maiden cruise ship visits at Eden Port by MSC Magnifica on Sunday and Artania on Monday, with Cruise Eden volunteers and Town Crier (Alan) there to welcome guests.
Where would we be without our wonderful volunteers.

If you’d like to provide any feedback, please send me an email to RFitzpatrick@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

 

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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