by Cr Tony Briffa
I recently had the pleasure of unveiling my mayoral program for 2023.
It includes six key areas that I am passionate about and will help make our community stronger, more welcoming and more sustainable. Below are some key projects I will be supporting and delivering in my mayoral term.
I want to celebrate the diversity and community spirit of Hobsons Bay. The upcoming International Women’s Day is a great example of this where we’ll be celebrating the women in our community. Throughout the year I’ll also be supporting events focused on all abilities, multiculturalism, and women in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).
Our community groups are such an integral part of Hobsons Bay, and I want them to have a greater voice and more opportunities to connect with their council by inviting them to councillor briefing sessions and council meetings. I also want Council to help showcase the great work they do in our community.
So we can advocate for greater investment in our community, I’ll continue to work to build a strong relationship between council and the state and federal governments. We will continue to advocate for support for infrastructure projects such as the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre and the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre, and in vital areas such as youth mental health and better public transport options.
Our business community has been hit hard over the past few years, so I will be continuing to support it and promote their great work.
The Voice to Parliament referendum later this year is a significant moment for our country and our First Nations community. I will be raising awareness and support for the referendum in our community, and directly consulting with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.
Finally, I want to help make Hobsons Bay a greener, more environmentally proactive and livable city. One initiative will be hosting an air quality forum bringing the community, government agencies and business together to improve the environment.
We have a wonderful community and there are so many great ideas on how to make it even better. I’m looking forward to working with our community to achieve these goals. For more information on my mayoral program visit council’s website at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
