This year, I attended the function at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park. The Warracknabeal and District Band played a selection of Australian songs and members of the Rotary Club provided a cooked breakfast.

Frosty Gunn was presented with the community citizen award for his service to sport and music and Jack Quick received the young achiever award. Brad Krahe was named sportsperson of the year for his long-time coaching of the Wildcats basketball teams. I was privileged to acknowledge Leo Casey as Yarriambiack Shire’s senior citizen of the year. Leo has made an enormous contribution to the community over many years in his roles as secondary school principal, football club secretary, community centre chairperson and more recently as chair of Rural Northwest Health. The shire’s event of the year was presented to members of the Warracknabeal Action Group, who planned and organised the Christmas festival and Carols by Candlelight function in 2015.

The role of volunteers in our communities does not go unappreciated by council. Without their involvement, many clubs, organisations, and groups would not function. Council’s community grants program and SHARE grants are provided to assist these groups with funding for equipment and activities. In this way, we can positively recognise the contributions that are made to make our communities function and more liveable. I encourage you to attend upcoming AGMs, offer your support, and think about taking on an office-bearing role. Your attendance and voice will be greatly appreciated.

Over the next month, council will be formulating its Council Plan for the next four years and looking at the annual budget. Both documents will be carefully thought through in order to achieve the most desirable outcomes for all our residents. You will have the opportunity to comment on both documents as they are drafted.

Two issues that will arise in the next few months will be the proposed NBN rollout to Warracknabeal and the impact of changes to the State Government’s planning scheme.