Mayoral Memo - 6 March 2024
As the Chairperson of Regional Cities NSW (RCNSW), I have the privilege of representing an organisation dedicated to the advancement and prosperity of regional cities across NSW, particularly our fifteen member cities. Our mission is not only to address the challenges our communities face but also to seize the opportunities that come with our unique positions as regional hubs. This week I will witness again the value of collaboration and shared learning as we visit two of our member cities, Albury and Wagga Wagga.
Our journey will begin in the heart of Albury, with a walk through the picturesque QEII Square, leading to the Murray Art Museum Albury, a cornerstone of cultural engagement. Albury will show how art and community can intertwine to create a vibrant public space.
The Albury Waste Management Centre doesn’t sound like an exciting place to hang, but regional cities need to keep improving ways to deal with waste with innovative approaches to sustainability and waste reduction. Our visits to the Riverside Precinct and Lavington Sports Ground will further demonstrate Albury's commitment to creating spaces that enhance community well-being and connection.
In Wagga Wagga, the Special Activation Precinct and the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub will hopefully stand out as exemplars of strategic planning and investment in regional growth. I am particularly looking forward to the visit to the Charles Sturt University's Digital Farm Complex and we will then finish off with the Kapooka Army Base where I am hoping to be a spectator not a participant in some of their gruelling training.
These visits underscore the importance of collaboration among our cities. Each city has unique strategies and innovations from which we can all learn. By sharing our successes and challenges, we can collectively enhance the liveability and sustainability of our regions.
It's worth noting that the role of a mayor, while not outlined in a job description as it might be for other professions, is nonetheless defined by a commitment to community representation and leadership. According to the Local Government Act 1993, Section 226, part (m), the role of the mayor includes "representing the council on regional organisations and at inter-governmental forums at regional, State and Commonwealth level." The participation by the mayors of the fifteen member cities is a testament to fulfilling this duty, ensuring our collective voices are heard and our communities are represented at all levels of government.
The paths to fulfilling the many responsibilities as a mayor are paved with the principles of collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support. I feel certain that lessons learned from cities like Albury and Wagga Wagga, and with visits last year to Lismore and Tweed Heads, provide valuable blueprints for progress. Together, we can overcome the challenges that face our regions and build a future that reflects the aspirations of all our communities.
Councillor Mathew Dickerson
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council
Last Edited: 05 Mar 2024