More than likely, we will have more challenges to face this year, however I am confident that as a community we can find positives in the changes that lie ahead.

One significant change has taken place here at Council. At the local government election on 4 December, the voters of Kempsey Shire elected a new group of Councillors. I was honoured to be elected Mayor.

The majority of voters decided on this change, and change is not easy. Julius Caesar is reported to have said as he crossed the Rubicon River that "the die is cast", meaning that there was no going back on such a momentous step. I feel that the shire's vote for change is similarly pivotal.

Still your Council is here to govern for the entire community, and we undertake to do so.

Six new Councillors (and three returning Councillors) were elected to serve the community of Kempsey Shire. We each bring our own perspectives to the role and are already preparing for our first meeting and planning sessions. The first meeting of the Council will be held at 9am Tuesday 25 January.

On behalf of Kempsey Shire, I welcome our new Councillors Alexandra Wyatt, Simon Ferguson, V Craigie, Kerri Riddington, Arthur Bain and Joshua Freeman, as well as my fellow returning Councillors Anthony Patterson and Liz Campbell. Councillor Freeman becomes the youngest member of our Shire elected to Council.

These new Councillors will bring new perspectives and enthusiasm to the work of Council and we all hope for a better way for our Shire.

Regrettably the crisis for us is not yet over and we need to work together to overcome the issues we are now encountering with the COVID-19 pandemic.

On my visits to parts of the Shire, I have noted that many people seem not to be aware, or to have grown tired, of wearing masks correctly, as outlined in the public health advice. I commend those who are wearing their masks the right way and ask everyone respectfully to ensure your nose, not just your mouth, is covered by the mask.

By wearing a mask correctly, we will limit the spread of the virus in our Shire. The issue is not about a freedom but rather a responsibility to our community to keep others healthy and safe.

Remember to physically distance at least 1.5 metres, wear your mask correctly and keep your vaccinations up to date.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: