On behalf of everyone at Litchfield Council I would like to wish you all a happy New Year. As we get back to our normal routines, it is time to turn our attention to the year ahead and think about and plan for the future, both as individuals and as a Council. We are looking forward to a prosperous and productive year for Council and community where issues are seen as opportunities that enable us to work together for a positive outcome. I would encourage you to have your say and get involved with community endeavours at every opportunity.
As Mayor, and with the Councilors, I will be busy visiting community groups and individuals in our area, meeting the people, listening to concerns and sharing ideas that will inform out planning decisions and operation.
This year promises to be exciting and challenging. We welcomed the newly appointed CEO Kaylene Conrick who officially took up her role on Monday 18 January and at same time we farewelled Ben Dornier our Acting CEO who has capably overseen Council operations over the past seven months and in particular assisted the newly elected councilors to step into their new roles.
As Mayor, I had the pleasure of having a key role in the first big community event for 2016, the Litchfield Australia Day celebrations. A day of activity at Fred’s Pass Reserve which started at 7.30am with the Fun Run/Walk followed by breakfast, games and competitions for all the family. It was a special honour to welcome our new Australian citizens and to present the Litchfield Citizen Awards for 2016.
In general, 2016 will be a time of pursuing value for residents, good governance, openness and generally just getting things done. This time will lay the solid foundations for success in coming years. The next Council meeting for 2016 is at 6 pm on Wednesday 3 February.
Maree Bredhauer
Litchfield Mayor