I am often humbled by the ‘quiet achievers’ within our community I meet throughout the year who contribute so much to enriching the lives of others. Their efforts and qualities can be reflected in the way we build a more connected community.

I was especially proud to see over the past week Council staff supporting three worthy charity events. Gold coin donations staff have made each ‘Mufti Friday’ in recent months have raised over $1,000 with Baylin’s Gift being the first local charity to benefit from the fundraiser. Last Friday, staff dug out their best pair of jeans and held a morning tea to support Jeans for Genes Day, which works to find cures or treatment for kids with birth defects or genetic diseases.

One of the enduring qualities that define rural communities is mateship, and this involves being ready to lend a hand in need. This quality is a valued part of the Macleay and two Kempsey locals, Tim Smith and Josh Ball, are displaying the best kind of mateship in raising much needed help for drought affected farmers. Council was pleased to support their efforts by donating suitable growth for baling up hay on land at Boyters Lane that will go towards their hay run to farmers out west. I encourage everyone to look for ways you can lend a hand to support local charities or fundraisers for worthwhile causes.

Last Sunday, I was delighted to be part of the official opening of Sculpture in the Gaol, now in its 11th year. The day was made special by the commemoration of the 100^th Anniversary of the closure of the German Internment Camp at Trial Bay. The exhibition is open throughout August, so visit Trial Bay Gaol for this year’s fabulous display.

Kempsey Shire works on becoming a more energy efficient council

Macleay continues to help Aussie farmers