In the Mayor’s absence this week, it is an honour to write to you all and I wish him a speedy recovery.

In the aftermath of the recent flooding, we have again seen the full effects of La Niña on our coastline, waterways, and the Bombo cemetery.

Jamberoo Mountain Road has been severely impacted, with multiple landslides and tree falls, which has resulted in the need for extensive works.

Council will continue to work with both state and federal governments to get the road operational again.

Thank you to our first responders and Council staff who have again stepped up to meet the challenges of recurrent weather events.

A reminder that the Disaster Recovery Payment is now available via Services Australia to all individuals in the Kiama LGA who have been impacted by the recent flooding event: www.recovery.gov.au

On a positive note, our annual exhibit at the Old Fire Station for this year’s NAIDOC Week ‘Get Up, Stand Up and Show Up,’ was a stunning example of Indigenous arts.

Also, Kiama Library hosted the Wodi Wodi All Around competition, celebrating the traditional owners of the land on which we live.

The theme this year is not just a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, but a call for justice and equality.

We all have a duty to ‘Get Up, Stand Up and Show Up’ in our community, and that is something that our Council acknowledged in supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart – reconciliation starts here.