From the Lord Mayor's Office
Council Meeting update - 28 October 2024
Last Monday was the first ordinary meeting of this term of Council with a 14-item agenda.
All the items received unanimous support on the floor of Council and included attendance at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference in Tamworth in November, the public exhibition of Chapter A1 Introduction of the draft Wollongong Development Control Plan DCP 2009, and my Lord Mayoral Minute about Culture Mix.
With the support of my fellow Councillors, I’ll write this week to the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism to thank the NSW Government for their support of Culture Mix over the past two years. I will also seek their advice on potential further funding opportunity for future events.
Culture Mix was such an important event for our city and was a vivid and colourful celebration of the diversity of our community which contributes to Wollongong being such a great place to live, work and play.
Following a Notice of Motion from Cr Kit Docker on the issue of homelessness in our community I reiterated that Council’s ‘Protocol for Homeless People in Public Spaces’ calls for those living rough to be treated with empathy and respect, a good reminder for us all.
After a break from Council meetings, it was good to once again focus on the business of Council and delivering for our community.
That said, while this was the first ordinary meeting of this term of Council, the Councillors have been working behind-the-scenes on a robust and intensive induction into the business of Council.
Whether one of the five returning Councillors, as I am, or one of the eight new Councillors, there is a great amount of business to get our heads around. It really is quite extraordinary when you think about all the services Council delivers for the community day in, day out and how we do this with a limited budget, and within the legislative requirements set out by the NSW Government.
If you’re interested in seeing Council’s current focusses why not join us at the next Council meeting on Monday 25 November from 6pm?
Everyone is welcome in the Council Chambers at 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong, to see and hear the debate, or you can watch online through the live webcast that’s available on Council’s website.
This is a great way to see and hear discussions about Council’s work in all its diversity.
