Mayoral Matters | December 19, 2025

Published on 19 December 2025

On behalf of my fellow councillors and Northern Grampians Shire Council staff, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Reflecting on 2025, this year has been an extremely busy year with the new council hitting the ground running, with mandatory councillor training. Acknowledging the many challenges we have faced – such as funding – councillors, alongside council officers, have worked together and met each challenge with new ideas and new energy.

We delivered many great outcomes and positive initiatives in 2025, as we considered key projects and priorities that helped shape our four-year Council Plan. I am very proud of what we have achieved over the past year.

Our four new councillors have really embraced their new roles, and I really enjoy the varied conversations and the different individual perspectives they bring to council.

It has been nice to embrace change, and I am very excited about the future direction of Northern Grampians Shire. I look forward to us supporting our community in even more ways throughout 2026.

I look forward to another busy year in 2026 as we continue to build on our strong foundations and advocate to state and federal government for our fair share, so we continue to be a great place to live, work, visit and invest in.

Sometimes the smallest gesture can profoundly impact someone's life. Last week, deputy mayor Justine Hide and myself were touched to get a congratulations card from a rate payer who wrote, ‘A huge congratulations on your one-year term... good leadership like you will never fail, keep up the good work’. Simple gestures foster a sense of belonging, reminding people they are valued.

Christmas time can be a busy and stressful time for many. We want to ensure our community has a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. I encourage residents to look out for friends and neighbours, for those who might need a friendly smile or someone to chat to, and remember it is often the simple gestures that mean so much.

I hope everyone has the opportunity for some well-earned rest over the Christmas holidays as the busy year draws to a close.

Merry Christmas, everyone.