A Minute With The Mayor

This month marks Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, a time when we come together as a community to acknowledge the significance of this issue in our society.
 
As Mayor, I stand with our community in raising awareness and advocating for the prevention of domestic and family violence. While there is heightened national interest in this issue at the moment, it's important to recognise that the problem is ongoing.
 
I had the honour of attending candle lighting ceremonies in Bowen and Cannonvale last week where we remembered those affected in our community. Let us continue to raise awareness, support survivors and strive for a future free from violence in our homes and communities.
 
At the last Council Meeting, a decision was reached to initiate community consultation concerning the available options for replacing the Dingo Beach Stinger net. We understand the critical role this net plays in ensuring the safety of beachgoers, particularly during stinger season.
 
It's essential that any decision regarding the replacement of the net reflects the needs and viability for the community into the future. I encourage residents to keep an eye out in the newspaper and on our online engagement portal, Your Say Whitsunday, for your chance to have a say in the coming weeks.
 
Works are well underway on our Collinsville Pump Track, located in Darcy Munro Park. Our contractor has been busy shaping berms, installing drainage and asphalting the track.
 
This week will see the finalisation of the track and laying natural and synthetic turf. So, to the kids (and parents!), prep your scooters and bikes, keep an eye out for the opening date announcement and get excited for your first ride soon! 
 
Thanks to the Bowen Rail Company for funding the project that adds yet another outdoor activity to Collinsville and provides our children with a safe and enjoyable space to play, exercise, and connect with each other.
 
Don't miss the historic Freedom of Entry event this Saturday 11 May as hundreds of uniformed soldiers from 3rd Combat Engineers Regiment (3CER) of Townsville march through Airlie Beach Main Street.
 
Building on the Freedom to the City bestowed upon 3CER in 2017, this year's celebration marks the first granting of Freedom of Entry to the Whitsunday Region.
 
This is our opportunity for the Whitsunday Region to show our respect and gratitude to the Regiment for helping the entire Whitsunday region get back on its feet after the turmoil of Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March 2017.
 
I encourage everyone across the region to join us for this impressive spectacle and community gathering at the Airlie Beach Foreshore, including the Lions Airlie Beach Markets and an Australian Defence Force display.

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Contributed with thanks to Ry Collins.

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