So, here we all are, in the best place on earth. It’s official, verified and fair dinkum.

I’m talking of course about Kiama being declared Australia’s best small town by demographer Bernard Salt, who crunched the numbers from the 2021 Census to come up with the results.

While I’m sure the criteria for this are all very legit and I’m thrilled to be Mayor at a time when we’ve been acknowledged in this fashion, I’d also suggest there is more to a place than statistics, green hills and the hole that blows.

Most importantly there is the charm of the people. It’s one of the first things I noticed about the people of Kiama – and not just the town of Kiama but our whole Municipality.

Whether you're a visitor or a long-time resident, you'll always be greeted with a smile and a welcoming hello around here. It's not uncommon to strike up a conversation with a stranger in a local café or on the beach, and before you know it, you're exchanging stories and laughing together like old friends.

Beyond their welcoming nature, the people of our LGA are also deeply connected to their local environment. Many residents are involved in conservation efforts and community landcare groups that aim to protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations.

Whether it is through beach clean-ups, tree-planting projects, or wildlife rescue programs, the people of Kiama demonstrate a strong sense of stewardship and responsibility for their local environment.

Our towns are home to a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, workshops, and festivals that showcase the talents of local artists and performers. There’s the Jazz and Blues Festival on this weekend.

Another thing that stands out about the people of our Municipality is their sense of community. This is a place where people come together to support one another, whether it's through volunteering or simply checking in on a neighbour who needs help. The place has a strong spirit of inclusivity and acceptance, and you'll find people from all walks of life living here and contributing to the community.

One of my favourite things across the LGA is the way that the people here have embraced and preserved the town and country's history and character. There's a strong sense of pride in the local heritage. You'll often find residents sharing stories and memories about the past, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the local history through museums, guided tours, and other cultural events.

This is not limited to our colonial and Anglo-Saxon history either. Kiama Council hosted two Aboriginal yarning circles earlier this year where we listened to first nations Elders speak about their lived experience and the cultural history of this place. It was an enlightening and heartening experience and one that we will aim to repeat and build upon.

Overall, the beauty of Kiama is not just found in its stunning natural landscape but in the warmth, kindness, and creativity of its people. The sense of community and connection that permeates our Municipality is truly what makes it the best place on earth.