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Mayor's Message - 19 June 2025 - Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick

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

19 June 2025

It’s been a big last fortnight. It was great to be out and about on Friday and Saturday with the Wintersun Festival and also the Jazz Festival in Merimbula.

The Wintersun Festival attracted about 40 brave swimmers in the Jetty to Jetty swim and a great swim by the flying Chris Thane saw him first out of the water at Mitchies Jetty.

Well Done to Chris and all the competitors.

The Merimbula Jazz Festival was again a great success with many visiting jazz lovers from Canberra and Victoria.

These events could not happen without the volunteers who do the hard yards in organising and ensuring they run successfully. Also, the support they receive from other Service Clubs like Rotary, Pambula Surf Club and the Sapphire Vintage Car Club and don’t forget the Merimbula Rural Fire Service and driver Col Hassell.

Thank you all.

images of the jazz festival.

Last Wednesday 11 June was First Responders Day. A big thanks to all those who work or volunteer in these organisations. Thank you is never enough when you put your lives at risk to protect or save others.

russell fitzpatrick with volunteers.

Last week I met with the Canberra Joint Organisation Council Mayors and General Managers, at NSW Parliament House and had the opportunity to discuss many things with Premier Chris Minns, Planning Minister Paul Scully, Crown Lands Minister Steve Kamper, Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty, Minister For Skills Steve Whan, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and opposition Shadow Minister’s Wendy Tuckerman, Scott Farlow and the Opposition Leader Mark Speakman.

The talks are always fruitful and I thank them for their open and direct conversations.

If you’d like to get in touch with me, please send an email to RFitzpatrick@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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