I am going to borrow a quote from Kelly Clarkson the singer who said “The thing about Christmas is that it almost doesn’t matter what mood you’re in or what kind of a year you’ve had – it’s a fresh start”.

I like that sentiment of a fresh start. I am excited about what the new year holds for all of us.

It’s been a hard year at Council, there’s no denying that. We’ve shared much of that hardship with all of you: the facts of it, the solutions to it and the need for a fresh start.

I sincerely hope that as this year closes, we don’t forget all the hard work, all the good work that gets done every day by our staff and the effort that our Councillors and community members put into making this wonderful community of ours a great place to live in and be part of.

I hope each of you get a chance to enjoy all the lovely things about Christmas: friends, family and colleagues.

Being on council gives a unique perspective to observe our community, and to see the good everywhere. In the volunteers that drive buses, cook snags, deliver meals and plant and weed and bring us music, and the exciting people who teach and talk and enrich our lives in countless ways.

We see the gifts donated to the Mayor’s Giving Tree; we see the little notes of thanks when a Councillor has championed a good cause or a staff member has gone out of their way to assist someone who really needed a little help.

We see neighbours who help neighbours, and not just at Christmas. On frosty winter days, ovals get line marked by volunteers, scouts and guides are taught bushcraft, passers-by warn visitors of dangerous surf conditions, and so much more.

There is much good in community and, as we head into a new year, let’s all take the chance for a fresh start and to reflect on this year.

Enough from me, here’s some tips from Kiama’s Councillors for Christmas:

Cr Matt Brown:

Stay hydrated and make the best use of local attractions and experiences such as Illawarra Fly, Jamberoo Action Park along with our beaches and National Parks. Merry Christmas!!

Cr Mark Croxford:

Be adventurous and try something new. The helpful team at the Kiama Visitor Information Centre on Blowhole Point is there to give you lots of suggestions.

Cr Imogen Draisma:

Just living in Kiama is a rare gift, enjoy it all: the ocean, the countryside the bustling towns and all that’s good in life.

Cr Jodi Keast:

Explore Kiama’s hidden treasures by asking a local what they love about Kiama. For me, I enjoy walking around the Minnamurra headland and riding through Bonaira Native Gardens.

Cr Stuart Larkins:

Visit (and support) as many of our local small businesses as you can. On a cooler day, enjoy our local bushwalks or our fantastic coast walk. Remember to look after our environment and take your rubbish with you.

Cr Karen Renkema-Lang:

Choose you own adventure – there are so many options. Or just sit back, relax and soak up the magic of Kiama and the surrounds.

Cr Kathy Rice:

Pack your worries away and don’t pick them up again until the holiday is over. Make sure to take some time just for you and keep your eyes open to the magnificence that is all around you in Kiama.

Cr Warren Steel:

Enjoy spending time with your family.