POLITICS
Hornsby Shire Mayor wages war on graffiti
Hornsby Shire Council ’ s newly elected Mayor , Warren Waddell , has issued a call to arms to Council and the community to tackle the problem of graffiti in the Shire ’ s town centres , villages and transport routes .
In a special Mayoral Minute brought to his first Council meeting as Mayor , Mayor Waddell requested Council prepare a report outlining options for a Shire wide strategy with a strong focus on community involvement in preventing unwanted graffiti and its removal from private property .
“ Graffiti is becoming an increasingly pressing issue in almost every area of Hornsby , particularly along major roads , town centres , public spaces , and community facilities . This surge not only mars the visual appeal of our neighbourhoods but also contributes to a broader perception of neglect and disorder detracting from Hornsby ’ s character , diminishing its natural beauty and the well-maintained public spaces that the community cherishes ,” said Mayor Waddell . “ I have been impressed at just how efficient our own teams are at dealing with the presence of graffiti on Council owned assets . The problem , however , is much larger than this and needs addressing .”
The requested report will include recommendations that are well proven across the world for how Council can work with the community and private owners to tackle this issue . It will also explore how greater collaboration with the State government can be fostered to prevent and better manage the removal of graffiti on state owned assets .
Actions to be investigated include rapid removal ; facilitating quick and simple reporting ; community engagement , education and participation ; integrated public art and graffiti ; and alternative funding .
“ I have been buoyed by the interest of the whole community to support this war on graffiti which will contribute to a more vibrant , safe , attractive , and culturally rich community for all residents of Hornsby Shire ,” Mayor Waddell said .
“ I thank my colleague Councillors for supporting my Mayoral Minute ,” he added .
The report with its recommendations will be presented to Council in the coming months . To read Mayor Waddell ’ s full Mayoral Minute visit hornsby . nsw . gov . au .
Hornsby Shire Council Mayor , Warren Waddell at his first Council meeting as Mayor .
Christmas A TIME FOR HOPE
with Alex Hawke MP
Christmas is a time when we come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus . Christmas is also a season to be grateful for the blessings of peace and prosperity we enjoy as a nation .
As your local member it has been an honour to serve our fantastic community in 2024 . In 2025 I will continue to take up the fight to preserve the country we all love and represent the interests of the hardworking people of North West Sydney in our Federal Parliament .
On behalf of my family , Amelia , Jack , Lachlan , Thomas and Jonathan , I would like to wish you and your family a happy and holy Christmas , and a safe and prosperous 2025 . Hills Community Aid Hills Community Aid ( HCA ) deliver services including a range of social , financial and educational programs that assist , strengthen and connect our Hills community .
It was my pleasure to attend the 54th Annual General Meeting and pay tribute to outgoing President , Sarah
Tolhurst , for her service and leadership over the past year .
Congratulations to the newly elected President , Samuel Uno , and the three new board members .
Hills Community Aid has a major impact on the ground helping vulnerable families and communities . This year alone the assistance HCA has provided to first time emergency relief clients increased by 46 per cent . Thank you to the Executive Officer , Mici Beer , for her incredible leadership and to all the HCA staff and volunteers who make a positive difference to many lives on a daily basis , especially during these difficult times . The HCA volunteers are the backbone of community life in Mitchell playing an essential role in keeping our communities safe , resilient , and thriving .
If you have the capacity this Christmas , please consider donating your time or money to Hills Community Aid .
Visit www . hca . org . au to learn more about the programs and services they provide .
20 ISSUE 114 // DECEMBER 2024 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT