I’m thrilled to be writing to you as the Shoalhaven’s newly elected Mayor. Having started as a Councillor in 2012, I feel more than ready to take on the challenges that this new leadership role demands.
This week we held our first meeting of Council and welcomed some former councillors and some new, each bringing unique perspectives and ideas to the table. A countback process has been initiated by the Electoral Commission for Ward 3 after the resignation of Mitch Pakes, which could take a couple of months to complete.
I’m looking forward to working with both our new Deputy Mayor, Peter Wilkins, and our Assistant Deputy Mayor Matthew Norris to get the best outcomes for the city and the community. If you’re not sure who your local representatives are, you can find them here.
Decisions made at the meeting mean that we will soon be calling for community feedback about my proposed change to reinstate the 45 Degree Rule to reinstate it to what it originally was and renaming it the Gordon Timbs Rule. We will also soon be calling for expressions of interest for community members with financial expertise to join a Financial Review Panel. Anyone interested can subscribe to the Financial Review Committee Get Involved page for details.
I’m also really excited about next year’s Australia Day Awards and nominating some fantastic people who deserve to be recognised. The Shoalhaven has many inspirational role models who make a positive impact on people’s lives and this is a chance to honour them. You have until Friday 1 November to nominate, so please join me in putting forward someone who has gone ‘above and beyond’ this year. You can find the form here.
Thank you to everyone for their support and kind words since being elected Mayor, and I look forward to listening to you, serving you, and doing the Shoalhaven proud.
Mayor Patrica White