Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether we welcome it with open arms or resist it with all our might, it is a constant force that shapes our lives.

Our community is currently experiencing a period of growth, innovation, and new possibilities.

Here’s an update on some of the exciting changes happening around us and how they may impact you.

First, I have some fantastic news regarding Akuna Street. We sold the property late last year, and the new owners are planning to bring not one, but two supermarkets to the area!

Eddy Haddad, director of Level 33 Property Group, which bought the site, has also revealed plans for a gym and a selection of stylish venues in the currently underutilised space behind our Terralong Street shops.

In addition to these developments, we have welcomed a new state government and not one but two new local ministers.

Ryan Park, the Minister for the Illawarra and Member for Keira, has expressed his keen interest in Kiama.

I have known Mr Park for some years, and he is a long-time friend of Kiama MP Gareth Ward.

We are looking forward to scheduling a meeting with Minister Park in the near future.

Our other local minister is Paul Scully, Member for Wollongong, who has been appointed the new Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

I know Minister Scully, as an Illawarra representative, has a detailed understanding of the challenges facing coastal communities, including in Kiama and across the Illawarra.

I am looking forward to working with Minister Scully and I have invited him to visit Kiama as soon as possible to discuss how we can make our local communities the best possible places to live, work, and play.

I am also proud to announce Council’s progress toward financial stability.

We have planned better budget controls, reduced unnecessary expenses, and begun more accurate long-term financial planning to secure our future prosperity.

This includes divesting from certain assets that others will more effectively manage.

Our focus is now shifting to enhancing the delivery of public services.

We will soon be commencing reviews of some of our key services, with an eye towards streamlining processes, investing in technology, improving efficiency and continuing to provide a great ‘customer experience’ to you, our community.

Another change I am happy to report is that we have received the sign-off on our audit for the 2020-21 financial statements, with the Auditor General moving past our previous financial uncertainties.

This marks a significant step forward, although there are still many more to take. Our path to continued progress is clearly outlined in the updated Strategic Improvement Plan 2 for Kiama Council, which was endorsed at this week’s ordinary meeting on 18 April.

Lastly, your Council has changed significantly over time. Things are more complex now.

Lucky for us, we have recently discovered that, while complexity is hard, it is not a bad thing.

Complex systems, like in nature, are more resilient and adaptive.

We lose our more fragile parts as we go through adversity and come out the other side smarter, stronger and better prepared for the next change that will inevitably arise.