Thank you to everyone who voted at the recent Central Coast Council elections. I’m honoured to be your Mayor for the next two years, and I’m committed to working hard to ensure Council delivers on community priorities.

Your confidence and trust in Council is my priority, and my focus will be on leading our new Councillors to work cohesively as a team as we determine important community-building matters. I appreciate the range of experience and diversity of perspectives they will bring to the debate.

The Central Coast’s population is growing, and we’ll continue to deliver the essential services and projects needed to support this growth. Engaging with residents in a meaningful way will be key to ensuring we deliver what our community needs, in a way that is future-focussed and financially responsible.

Community events bring our residents together to celebrate what’s great about life on the Central Coast. ChromeFest, a signature event in our local calendar showcasing vintage cars, retro fashion and great entertainment, is on from 25 to 27 October at The Entrance. I plan to be there and I’m looking forward to meeting you to hear what you love about the coastal living and your ideas on what we can do to improve our quality of life.

As Mayor, I’m committed to advocating at both the State and Federal Government level for the things our community has told me are important to them, including improved transport infrastructure, better housing options, enhanced health services and more considered planning. I will do all I can at a local level to ensure our voices are heard and our residents are supported.

Our region has enormous economic and social potential to drive long-term prosperity. The Central Coast, with our sparkling beaches and lush hinterland is a destination of choice for tourism and I believe that by working collaboratively with other levels of government we will be able to grow our visitor economy.

I’m confident that by taking a proactive and progressive approach as a newly formed Council, engaging regularly with our community, and ensuring we have the right plans and processes in place, the Central Coast has a very bright future ahead.