As we get ready to celebrate Christmas I look back over the year that was and I am again proud of what we have achieved as a Council and community in 2019. Many of our achievements have created the foundations for the ongoing sustainability of the community in the time to come. We continue to invest in the community and focus on appropriately maintaining our $329 million of assets. Advocating for external funding is high on our priorities for immediate short and long term projects that will benefit community and contribute economic prosperity into the future. A future I look forward to with enthusiastic optimism.

Christmas is a time to be thankful for family and friends and the wonderful community we live in… as we know, ‘the best place to live in the Top End’.

There are so many groups, volunteers, sporting clubs, businesses and individuals who work selflessly throughout the year ensuring our community is strong, healthy and well connected. So on behalf of the community, thank you.

I thank the Council staff for the work they do across all aspects of the community from our Waste Transfer Stations, the Council Office, Mobile Work Force and Thorak Regional Cemetery.

While Christmas is a joyous time of the year, take a moment to remember those in the community who may be alone, vulnerable and without family close by. If you can, find a way to reach out to these people and provide some thoughtful care and support.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors, we hope you have a safe and Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Take care on the roads and enjoy the time with family, friends, food and frivolity.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our first Council Meeting for 2020 on January 18 where we will be holding another 'Councillor Open Space Discussions' for the Rating Policy Review commencing at 5.30pm. The Litchfield Council Australia Day community event, Citizen of the Year Awards presentation and the ever popular Fun Run will be held on Sunday 26 January 2020 at Fred’s Pass Sport and Recreation Reserve starting 7am. Come for the run, stay for the awards, entertainment and FREE BBQ breakfast.

Our Australia Day, Australian Citizenship Ceremony will this year be held at Council Chambers, 7 Bees Creek Road, starting at 11am. Come along and welcome our newest Citizens to our great Litchfield community.