Christmas is coming and I’m happy and honoured to be sharing it with you as your Mayor.

The festive season is a time to come together with friends and family, but let’s also check in on those around us who may not have the opportunity to spend meaningful time with others this year. Acts of kindness, such as aiding an older neighbour, providing a listening ear, or perhaps even helping a local charity, ripple through our community and make Christmas even more memorable.

The holiday period can also mean many miles spent on the road. If that's your plan, please take extra care behind the wheel. Take time out to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or even have a nap on longer journeys.

While 2023 marked a return to normal life after COVID, it wouldn’t be East Gippsland without a few challenges thrown our way. Fires in September, fires and floods in October tested our emergency workers. Few expected more floods in November and on the first day of summer.

Thank you to the hard-working and dedicated community members, volunteers and essential workers who care for others and spring to action when disaster strikes. I also want to send a special thank you to the hardworking Council staff for their dedication this year. We have teams working on some 270 projects, including new community facilities, sporting venues, roads, bridges, boat ramps, streetscape upgrades and more. Looking ahead to 2024, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that await us.

But for now, let’s all take time out to recharge our batteries, focus on our mental wellbeing and spend important time with loved ones.

On behalf of the Councillors and staff, I extend warm wishes for a Merry Christmas, happy New Year and a fruitful 2024.

Cr Tom Crook

Mayor