Mayor's Column - Longreach Leader 10 September 2021

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This column first appeared in the Longreach Leader on Friday 10 September 2021.

Hello again. There are lots of events to talk about this week, but I want to start with an acknowledgement of the Longreach Yellowbelly Fishing Classic. As you may know, it almost didn’t go ahead, but thanks to an influx of volunteers and support from local businesses, it turned out to be a very successful event. There were great crowds, and lots of entertainment and prizes. Well done to the organisers. Events are so important in our region, but they don’t happen without people in the community putting their hand up, so thank you to everyone involved.

Ilfracombe, Longreach and Isisford were visited by the Long Drive for Drought last week. Over 30 classic 40 series Land Cruisers toured the region raising money for Drought Angels. They were a great bunch, and took time to engage with the community wherever they went. The convoy spent an evening in Ilfracombe, had a pit-stop in Longreach, and called in to Isisford on their way back to the coast. Everyone involved had a great time, and they raised well over $70,000 for a good cause.

September is always a big event season in our region, and this year is no different. Following the success of the Fishing Competition, we had the Megan Walker mini marathon last weekend. This weekend, we’ve got the Ilfracombe Races followed by the Outback Food and Wine Festival at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Then there’s the Outback Paddle Regatta the following weekend on the Thomson River. The week after that, the town comes alive again for the Longreach Cup. These events have great potential to bring visitors to our region not only from coastal areas but from neighbouring regions. I wish the many organisers and volunteers involved in these wonderful events the very best as their big day arrives. I know our community will support them.

Council is proud to also be supporting a number of these events through its sponsorship program. Our sponsorship program is certainly very popular, and it has almost been fully subscribed for this financial year – we’ve already approved $23,191 worth of sponsorship – a great outcome.

Council is also proud to be supporting, through its RADF program, a school holiday puppetry workshop. Kids 7-18 years can learn how to create and manipulate their own puppet.
It’s at the Longreach Civic Centre Tuesday 21 September from 9:30am to 12:30pm no experience necessary, and it’s free – just RSVP to Council on (07) 4658 4111.

I’d like to squeeze in a quick plug for the Library, which is running a spring colouring in competition in four categories for kids aged from 4 up to 18 years. There are first and second prizes for each category – entries close next Friday 24 September – and more details are available from you nearest Council office or library.

Lastly; a reminder to keep an eye out for rates notices, which will be issued this week. You can get 10% off your rates when you pay before 12 October. As always, you can pay online, or talk to us about a payment plan – simply give our team a call to discuss.
 

Until next time, you can find email and direct phone numbers and email addresses for me and for each of my fellow Councillors on our website at longreach.qld.gov.au/elected-members. If you want to know anything at all, reach out to one of us - or contact Council directly on (07) 4658 4111 (24hrs), or email assist@longreach.qld.gov.au.