As we begin a new year, it’s worth taking a moment to pause and reflect - not just on what Council has done, but on what we’ve learned and how we intend to lead in the year ahead. 2025 was, for me personally, a massive learning experience.

Stepping into the role of Mayor brings with it a new level of responsibility - procedural, practical and personal. It has also been incredibly rewarding.

I’m proud to serve in this role and to be able to engage regularly with our community, listening to concerns, sharing ideas and, where possible, helping to deliver positive outcomes.

One thing last year reinforced very clearly is the role Council plays in the life of this community and the expectations people rightly place on us. We have a lot of dedicated, hardworking people within Council who don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve made a genuine effort to work collaboratively and consult widely, because the best decisions are made when we listen carefully to the people we serve.

Looking ahead to 2026, I know the community expects openness, transparency and honesty from Council - particularly as we navigate some big and sometimes challenging issues. There will be robust discussions around development, infrastructure pressures and Council’s financial position. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they are necessary, and they deserve to be handled respectfully and openly.

For me, leading with integrity means being upfront about the inputs that go into decisions, explaining the reasoning behind them, and being prepared to make difficult calls when required.

It also means leading by example and approaching every issue with an open mind, even when opinions differ. Respecting different views and consulting far and wide is essential for good governance.

Regardless of the challenges ahead, what I want to be true about Council in 2026 is this: that our interactions with the community are positive; that our customer service is consistently getting better; and that people feel Council is heading in a direction they want to move in as a community. Improving our planning processes and strengthening the way we engage with residents will be a key part of that.

When people disagree with Council decisions - and that will always happen - I hope they never doubt our intent. Every decision we make is guided by what we believe is in the best interests of the entire community, both now and into the future. Progress for Kiama LGA isn’t just about growth. It’s about wellbeing, character and trust.

It’s about remaining a place we love to live, where people can work locally, access the services they need, and continue to feel proud of where we call home. Change will occur - it always does - but our responsibility is to ensure it doesn’t come at the cost of what makes our municipality so special.

As we start 2026, my message to the community is a simple one: we love living here, we care deeply about this place, and we are committed to protecting its beauty and character while planning responsibly for the future. I look forward to working with and for you all in the year ahead.