I will continue to support celebration of Australia Day on January 26 in Goulburn Mulwaree. Australia Day celebrations in Goulburn Mulwaree have always been an inclusive, community orientated event that celebrates our culture. The highlight of the day each year is the Citizenship Ceremony in which we welcome a number of new community members as Australian citizens – demonstrating the multicultural strength of our country.

I do not believe it is up to a council to make a decision on the importance or appropriateness of Australia Day. Goulburn Mulwaree is an inclusive community that is respectful of all cultures, including our Indigenous history. As far as I am concerned we will continue to celebrate Australia Day, one of my favourite events on our calendar.

I do want to make it clear that this statement is my own view on Australia Day, and while I am the mayor and this can reflect on the council generally, we have not discussed the matter within the chambers and other councillors are, of course, entitled to their view.

Plans for the 2018 celebrations are already underway; the event will be held at Seiffert Oval in the magnificent Victoria Park and I’m looking forward to a great day.

Potential to leverage and expand Goulburn Mulwaree’s motorsport industry emerged as a key talking point from a consultation meeting that the council held with key local industry groups last week.  

The meeting included participants from Wakefield Park, Goulburn Motorcycle Club, Goulburn Speedway, Legend Cars and Marulan Driver Training, and came about after motorsport was identified in the Employment Lands Strategy as an important growth sector.

Council is nearing completion of a Motorsports Industry Research discussion paper with motorsports groups and Locale Consulting. This paper will inform the strategic development of this sector via a working group, including marketing activities and process reviews in line with Council’s “Easy to do Business With” objective. Keep an eye out for it in the coming months!