HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 174 November 2024 | Page 4

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Disclaimer : The comments of columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Independent magazine group . The Independent nor any person acting on their behalf , may be held responsible for the use to which the information contained in this publication may be put , or for any errors which , despite careful preparation and checking , may appear .

It is an immense honour to have been elected to not just another term on Hawkesbury City Council , but to also serve as Mayor for the next two years . I want to thank the community and my colleagues for this incredible and humbling opportunity .

As Mayor , I will make every effort to build strong connections between Council and the community . I have a had a lot of conversations with a lot of people over the years and I assure you that I have heard your frustrations . A lot of people don ’ t feel that their voices are being heard . I promise to be a champion for those unheard voices , and the whole of the Hawkesbury .

As a member of the Disaster and Emergency Committee , and the Floodplain Management Committee , I ’ m extremely pleased that Council is taking strong proactive steps to help save lives and property in the event of another flood . The Draft Hawkesbury Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan 2025 has investigated the consequences of flooding from the Hawkesbury River and recommends several measures to reduce future flood risks and impacts . This plan is on exhibition at www . yourhawkesburyyoursay . com . au until Monday , 9 December 2024 . I urge everyone , if you haven ’ t already , to view this document and leave your feedback .

Light Up Windsor is just a few weeks away , so plan to be in the Windsor Town Centre on Saturday 30 November from 5pm to 9pm and celebrate Christmas with us . Not only is it a fun night out for the family , you will be supporting local businesses as well !

Please also consider supporting the Mayoral Christmas Appeal . This year the appeal benefits The Jeremiah Project and their work with local homeless individuals and families . Drop unwrapped gifts in the marked boxes at our libraries , Council ’ s Administration Building and Richmond Marketplace .

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY ELECTED COUNCILLORS

The NSW Electoral Commission has officially announced the 12 elected Councillors for Hawkesbury City , who will represent our community until September 2028 . The Councillors are , in alphabetical order :

Tom Aczel ( IND ); Mike Creed ( LIB ); Shane Djuric ( SFF ); Eddie Dogramaci ( SBP ); Amanda Kotlash ( ALP ); Mary Lyons-Buckett ( IND ); Sarah McMahon ( LIB ); Jill Reardon ( LIB ); Les Sheather ( IND ); Paul Veigel ( LIB ); Danielle Wheeler ( GRN ); and Nathan Zamprogno ( IND );

The new Mayor and Deputy Mayor were voted in at the first Council meeting by fellow councillors on the 15 th October , Les Sheather was voted in as Mayor of the Hawkesbury and Sarah Mc Mahon will be acting as Deputy Mayor .

Celebrate !

YOUR 18TH OR 21ST WITH US WITH FREE ROOM HIRE ! *

We have the perfect indoor / outdoor space for parties ! * TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY .

2 Rifle Range Road SOUTH WINDSOR P : 4577 6488 E : functions @ windsorleaguesclub . com . au www . windsorleagues . com . au

4 ISSUE 174 // NOVEMBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT