Georges River Council - Mayoral Column

Mayoral Column

Mayoral Column - Making everyone feel welcome in Georges River

Published: 30/05/2025
Georges River is a wonderfully diverse community, and I’m proud to say that we are committed to ensuring every resident feels a true sense of belonging.
Mayoral Column - Bridging Now to Next: National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week 2025

Published: 23/05/2025
As we approach National Sorry Day on 26 May and Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June, I invite our Georges River community to reflect, listen, and walk forward together.
Mayoral Column - Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Hurstville Donor Centre

Published: 16/05/2025
On behalf of Georges River Council, I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Red Cross Lifeblood opening of Hurstville Donor Centre. This is a significant step forward in supporting our community’s health, and it’s a privilege to have such a vital service available right here in Hurstville.
Mayoral Column - Prioritising Road Safety in the Georges River: National Road Safety Week 2025

Published: 09/05/2025
With National Road Safety Week rolling around the corner on 11 May to 18 May 2025, I would like to take a moment to remind residents of the importance of road safety and safe driving practices.
Mayoral Column - St George Candlelight Vigil

Published: 02/05/2025
Next week, on Wednesday 7 May 2025, I am proud to stand with our community at the St George Candlelight Vigil, held in partnership with the St George Domestic Violence Committee, to mark National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.
Mayoral Column - Celebrating our Vibrant Community with Eurovision

Published: 24/04/2025
Singing, sparkly outfits and a Swiss-themed wonderland; what’s not to love! Georges River Council’s Eurovision Live Broadcast Party is returning for the sixth time at Marana Auditorium on Sunday 18 May 2025.
Mayoral Column - Honouring Our Heroes on ANZAC Day 2025

Published: 17/04/2025
As ANZAC Day approaches, let us commemorate the men and women who courageously served our countries in Gallipoli and other conflicts.
Mayoral Column - Highlighting the Hidden Efforts of Our Volunteers for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

Published: 11/04/2025
It is time to formally recognise our wonderful volunteers who actively serve our community. I am delighted to share that you can now submit a nomination for the Centre of Volunteering’s 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Mayoral Column - Youth Week 2025: Council’s GRYFest to Champion Our Local Youth

Published: 04/04/2025
With the celebration of NSW Youth Week 2025, I am pleased to announce the return of Georges River Youth Festival (GRYFest).
Mayoral Column - Community Participation; Have Your Say

Published: 28/03/2025
I love seeing the incredible engagement from our community members in various initiatives, and I want to take a moment to highlight just how important your involvement is in shaping the future of Georges River.
Mayoral Column - Celebrating Culture in Colour

Published: 24/03/2025
I’ve loved seeing the incredible artwork submitted so far for my Culture in Colour: Mayoral Art Competition. It’s so inspiring to see the creativity of our young artists! This competition is all about giving children the chance to celebrate the cultural and festival days that are special to them.
Mayoral Column - Harmony Week 2025: Celebrating Stories of Belonging in Our Community

Published: 14/03/2025
What a privilege it is to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community here in Georges River. I am excited to invite you to celebrate this year’s Harmony Week from today, Monday 17 March, to Sunday 23 March 2025.
Mayoral Column - Time to Shine: Celebrating Our Seniors at the NSW Seniors Festival

Published: 03/03/2025
Our seniors are the heart of our community. Join us for the NSW Seniors Festival—the largest festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere—right here in Georges River this March.
Mayoral Column - Bin Collection Changes are Starting Soon – Time to Take Note and Help Each Other

Published: 24/02/2025
From Sunday 2 March 2025, Georges River Council will be implementing changes to bin collection days across the area. Whether your collection day is changing or staying the same, we want to ensure that every household and business is informed and prepared.
Mayoral Column - A New Chapter for Lifesaving Blood Donations in Hurstville

Published: 17/02/2025
I am delighted to celebrate the recent opening of Hurstville’s new permanent Red Cross Lifeblood Donor Centre. This centre is a significant addition for our community, making blood donation easier and more accessible for our residents.
Mayoral Column - Georges River signs Joint Statement on Social Cohesion

Published: 07/02/2025
On Thursday 6 February, I stood with Mayor’s from across Sydney to call out violence, hatred, and extremism in our communities. It’s important to me to protect the values of the Georges River community. Our Council continues to prioritise the values of respect, connection, and equity for everyone.
Mayoral Column - Register your group for Clean Up Australia Day’s 35th anniversary

Published: 31/01/2025
I know Keeping Georges River Beautiful is important to you all and that’s why I am encouraging everyone to start signing up for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 2 March 2025.
Mayoral Column - Australia Day 2025: Celebrating Culture and Community

Published: 27/01/2025
This year, we marked Australia Day with a special program of events, activities and activations that reflect our commitment to inclusivity, cultural celebration, and community spirit. It is a time to honour the achievements and contributions of our community members while also acknowledging our shared journey towards reconciliation.
Mayoral Column - Citizenship Ceremonies: Building Connection and Belonging

Published: 20/01/2025
Throughout the year, Georges River Council hosts a number of citizenship ceremonies to welcome new Australian Citizens to our local area, on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. Sunday 26 January 2025 marks the first of these ceremonies for the year.
Mayoral Column - Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Happy New Year in 2025

Published: 13/01/2025
As we usher in 2025, I extend my warmest wishes for a prosperous and joyful New Year to every member of our vibrant Georges River community. The beginning of a new year is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration, and I am delighted to share with you the exciting events we have planned in the coming months.
Mayoral Column - Recognition of the Kogarah RSL Sub-Branch Youth Club and Jenny Sammut's Dedication to Community Service

Published: 17/12/2024
Today, I rise to honour and celebrate the remarkable contributions and dedication to community service of Caringbah resident Jenny Sammut. She has been the long-standing leader of the Kogarah RSL Sub-Branch Youth Club, a voluntary role she passionately excelled at for 35 years.
Mayoral Column - Celebrating the Festive Season and welcoming the New Year

Published: 13/12/2024
As we approach the end of another year, I would like to wish our community a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.
Mayoral Column - Saying NO to Domestic Violence in Georges River

Published: 09/12/2024
As Mayor of Georges River, I am proud to stand with our community in saying “no” to domestic violence. On Friday 29 November, more than 1,000 community members joined together for the annual NO Domestic Violence Walk, a powerful display of solidarity in the ongoing fight to eliminate violence against women and children.
Mayoral Column - Recognition of Business Chamber South’s Achievements - Small Business Month

Published: 02/12/2024
I would like to recognise the extraordinary efforts and achievements of Business Chamber South. The Business Chamber South team has proactively led networking events, workshops, and initiatives to connect, inform, and empower local businesses and community members in Georges River and beyond.
Mayoral Column - Thanks and Congratulations to John Veage and Chris Lane from The Leader

Published: 26/11/2024
At the November Council meeting, it was a great honour to recognise two photojournalists: John Veage and Chris Lane. Their contributions, spanning decades, have made an indelible mark on the history and spirit of the Georges River area, capturing its heartbeat and documenting our stories.
Mayoral Column – A Year of Accomplishments and Community Pride

Published: 29/07/2024
As my term as Mayor of Georges River Council draws to a close, I reflect on our achievements with pride.
Mayoral Column – Reflecting on NAIDOC Week 2024

Published: 15/07/2024
I am proud to reflect on the celebrations that took place during NAIDOC Week 2024.
Mayoral Column – Georges River Night Time Economy

Published: 01/07/2024
When people think of nightlife, pubs and clubs immediately come to mind. However, there is so much more to Georges River night-time offerings. As a Council we want to promote, expand, and invest in the diverse range of activities Georges River offers after 6pm.
Mayoral Column - Discover Georges River: Sydney’s Connected Community

Published: 17/06/2024
Georges River is Sydney’s Connected Community, a title earned through our location and diverse cultural fabric. To celebrate and share the unique qualities of our region, Council has launched our tourism site, Discover Georges River.
Mayoral Column – A Vibrant Night for Our Community with the Night Manifesto

Published: 03/06/2024
The night-time economy is about more than just pubs and clubs. We value the night for its cultural offerings—arts, music, and sports—and the supporting services like transport, retail, and food that make our evenings vibrant and safe.
Mayoral Column - Council’s fourth Eurovision Live Party; a celebration of music, diversity and community

Published: 01/05/2023
What is your favourite Eurovision song? One of my personal all times favourites is Abba’s “Waterloo” that was performed in 1974.
Mayoral Column - Wattle Walk and Bushcare Volunteers

Published: 29/08/2022
Spring is upon us this week as we celebrate National Wattle Day on Thursday 1 September.

Mayoral Column - Making everyone feel welcome in Georges River

Mayoral Column - Bridging Now to Next: National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week 2025

Mayoral Column - Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Hurstville Donor Centre

Mayoral Column - Prioritising Road Safety in the Georges River: National Road Safety Week 2025

Mayoral Column - St George Candlelight Vigil

Mayoral Column - Celebrating our Vibrant Community with Eurovision

Mayoral Column - Honouring Our Heroes on ANZAC Day 2025

Mayoral Column - Highlighting the Hidden Efforts of Our Volunteers for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

Mayoral Column - Youth Week 2025: Council’s GRYFest to Champion Our Local Youth

Mayoral Column - Community Participation; Have Your Say

Mayoral Column - Celebrating Culture in Colour

Mayoral Column - Harmony Week 2025: Celebrating Stories of Belonging in Our Community

Mayoral Column - Time to Shine: Celebrating Our Seniors at the NSW Seniors Festival

Mayoral Column - Bin Collection Changes are Starting Soon – Time to Take Note and Help Each Other

Mayoral Column - A New Chapter for Lifesaving Blood Donations in Hurstville

Mayoral Column - Georges River signs Joint Statement on Social Cohesion

Mayoral Column - Register your group for Clean Up Australia Day’s 35th anniversary

Mayoral Column - Australia Day 2025: Celebrating Culture and Community

Mayoral Column - Citizenship Ceremonies: Building Connection and Belonging

Mayoral Column - Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Happy New Year in 2025

Mayoral Column - Recognition of the Kogarah RSL Sub-Branch Youth Club and Jenny Sammut's Dedication to Community Service

Mayoral Column - Celebrating the Festive Season and welcoming the New Year

Mayoral Column - Saying NO to Domestic Violence in Georges River

Mayoral Column - Recognition of Business Chamber South’s Achievements - Small Business Month

Mayoral Column - Thanks and Congratulations to John Veage and Chris Lane from The Leader

Mayoral Column – A Year of Accomplishments and Community Pride

Mayoral Column – Reflecting on NAIDOC Week 2024

Mayoral Column – Georges River Night Time Economy

Mayoral Column - Discover Georges River: Sydney’s Connected Community

Mayoral Column – A Vibrant Night for Our Community with the Night Manifesto

Mayoral Column - Council’s fourth Eurovision Live Party; a celebration of music, diversity and community

Mayoral Column - Wattle Walk and Bushcare Volunteers