During the March Council meeting held this week, I was reminded of how powerful and efficient it is when we actively respect other opinions and work together to achieve great results.
Over the last five months Council staff have been workshopping and working with Councillors and community on the development of an updated Community Strategic Plan (CSP), a 20-year vision for the future of the Kempsey Shire.
Everyone has different priorities, expectations and passions they want captured within this plan. By working together to increase our knowledge, Councillors understand the legislation that guides this document and the fact that the CSP reflects community feedback across multiple sources.
As a group we appreciate the big picture that the CSP represents and supported that it be placed on public exhibition for community feedback. I encourage everyone to review this critical document available from Council's website and make a submission if you feel you have something to contribute.
Another important discussion and decision reached was to support Council establishing a First Nations Advisory Group. While the topic comes with historical complexity and many layers of individual experience, the discussion at the public forum and Council meeting was incredibly respectful and focussed on an agreement to act, and support inclusion, collaboration and culturally aware decision making by Council.
Over the next few months, staff will develop terms of reference and seek expressions of interest for members of the Advisory Group. One of the messages I took out of the Public Forum discussion was the importance of this process being community led. Agreeing how the group operates, who chairs the Group and how the work of the Group can support stronger social cohesion will all be part of the process moving forward.
Whether it's working as a Councillor, in my role at the Country Universities Centre or hanging with friends and family, there are often big important discussions going on. I'm passionate about listening to other opinions, thinking things through and being open to learning - which were all values Council demonstrated in making these important decisions.
