April Mayoral Message from Allan McGrath

“Another month has gone by, and for me, another birthday has ticked over!

“We wrapped up our very popular senior’s month program on March 17 with a High Tea at Cooma Cottage, listening to a string quartet from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Everyone had a lovely morning and overall, we have received very positive feedback on the activities that were on offer. We hope to organise another senior program later in the year when our weather warms up.

“Staff have launched the April School Holiday program this week and spots are booking up fast; this looks like it will be another huge success.

“To celebrate Youth Week this year, staff are also organising a ‘How to Adult’ program at Gundaroo. Our Youth are invited to come along and learn how to maintain their car, how to prepare and serve dinner, learn finance basics from a financial adviser and receive information on our local mental health services. More information and details on how to book will be shared to the council Facebook page in the coming days.

“Our recent March council meeting was a bumper one! I was very pleased to begin the meeting by holding a citizenship ceremony and congratulating our newest Australian Citizens, Dr Kristina Jahn, Mr. Eliezer Granado da Silva and Mr Amol Kundolam.

“Like most of our community members, I am concerned and frustrated by the closure of our local Westpac branch in Yass. Unfortunately, we are not the only Regional Australian town currently experiencing these closures. I presented a Mayoral minute on the senate inquiry into bank closures in regional Australia and a submission will now be made by council to the senate inquiry.

“It was an honour to be invited to speak at the opening of ‘Tyger Gallery’, our new art gallery in the heart of Yass. A big congratulations and best wishes to Martyn Pearce who did a wonderful job of refurbishing the rooms at the front of the Memorial Hall to create a magical and unique gallery space.

“To end the month, the Railway Museum Artisan Markets drew a fantastic crowd, it is great to see so many people out and about enjoying the beautiful weather and supporting the markets and our small businesses. I would also like to extend my thanks to AMEC and the Yass Wool Spinners for coming out to put on their displays. The markets will be back again on Sunday April 30.

“I would like to take this time to wish everyone a safe and fun Easter, I hope you all find your Easter Eggs in your garden, and you enjoy them.  We can never have enough chocolate!

“Looking forward to giving you my monthly update next month, until then I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.”

Allan McGrath, Yass Valley Mayor

• Topics:

• Local Council
• Politics