As we wind up Local Government Week (4-10 August), I’ve been celebrating the many different roles Council plays across our community.

Last weekend I had the privilege of attending the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards, hosted by Shellharbour City Council in partnership with Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven Councils.

It was an inspiring night, one that celebrated the leadership, culture and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our region.

From the Smoking Ceremony to the Awards themselves, it was a reminder of the strength, resilience and depth of First Nations communities.

I congratulate all the Award recipients, particularly Aunty Gwenda Jarrett and Uncle Stan Jarrett, who were recognised as Elders of the Year.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan across a range of local government events and initiatives, and they’ve brought an amazing down-to-earth, everyday approach to sharing the history, culture, and practices of the Traditional Owners of this amazing place we all call home.

I’m really looking forward to sharing the draft Reconciliation Action Plan Council which has been developing together with our local Elders and First Nations community members later this year.

Adding a touch of glamour to Kiama, a blue plaque was recently unveiled for the internationally renowned, Kiama-born Orry Kelly, costumier to the stars from the golden age of Hollywood.

I joined the Hon. Dr Sarah Kaine MLC, Councillors, members of the Kiama Historical Society and community for the event at The Sebel Kiama.

On further region-wide Council business, I attended a strategic workshop in Wollondilly with Mayors and CEOs from eight LGAs from the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Western Sydney and the Macarthur/Highlands regions.

We’re working together to improve connectivity between our areas.

Major issues like housing, infrastructure and funding were also on the agenda, highlighting why it’s so important that neighbouring councils are aligned and proactive in our advocacy and to collaborate with state and federal governments.

Closer to home, Kiama Council’s Shoalhaven Street Precinct has now been listed by the NSW Government as a State Significant Rezoning project.

This is a major milestone in realising the long-term potential of the site, right in the heart of Kiama, and a critical step in delivering a mix of housing types, including much-needed affordable options, as identified in our Local Housing Strategy.

It’s a testament to the groundwork done by our staff to get us to this point.

With the NSW Government now funding the expert studies and assessments needed to move this precinct forward, we’re well placed to deliver a thoughtful, community-led outcome.

We got elected to make the strategic decisions that our community needs, and I am thrilled that our first unanimous strategic decision to purchase this site is moving so rapidly and is positioning us for a stronger future.

Finally, I’d like to congratulate all the nominees and award winners at our Kiama Local Government Week Awards, held at The Pavilion this week. I’m proud to have such a great group of community-minded people in our LGA.

This type of spirit is what sees our community thrive and reminds me once again what a privilege it is to be Mayor of Kiama.