Mayor Message February 2025

Published on 26 February 2025

I hope everyone is settling well into the New Year including all of our primary school and secondary school students who have all now returned to school. Those students who are attending university still have a few weeks to go, many of whom I have noticed making the most of their break working summer jobs in the shire.

Just before Christmas I was pleased to meet the winners of the Alexander Garden Competition and to have them join Council for morning tea. The competition returned for the first time since 2019 and is held in honour of former Councillor Bill Alexander who was known for their love of gardening.

A group of four judges (one from each town) assembled in October to determine the winners. Congratulations go to Alison Lowry of Finley who won the overall competition and to Peter and Glennice Martin of Tocumwal, Francis and Muriel Rockliff of Berrigan, Christopher and Deborah Bell of Barooga who won for each town. The competition will return again in 2025 so start planning now to have a winning garden come October.

Our councillors have been visiting each of the towns in recent weeks for Listening Posts. While we love to see you at these sessions, it is important to note that it is not necessary for you to wait when you have something you need to tell council. You can contact council online, by phone or in person at our office in Berrigan all year round.

This month I would like to introduce you to Councillor Catherine Healy who started her first term on Council last September.

Cr. Julia Cornwell McKean- Mayor

Councillor Catherine Healy

Born and raised in Finley and now living in Berrigan, I’ve been lucky enough to call the Berrigan Shire home for most of my life.  I spent time away studying, travelling and working as a Social Worker in Australia and the UK before returning to the area after meeting my husband, Simon.  I’ve been fortunate to work in three out of the four towns in our Shire as a School Wellbeing Practitioner in the Catholic Education System and now support people from across our Shire and beyond through my counselling business, Capable Minds.  

Part of being passionate about community, connection and wellbeing led me to joining the Southern Riverina Wellbeing Collaborative which was set up to raise awareness and capacity in building people’s mental health and wellbeing.  I’ve been involved in many different committees and groups since returning home and since raising our boys in the area.  It’s because of this involvement that I decided to nominate for Council as I can represent many different members of the community when I sit at the table. I can see the potential to build stronger connections between Community and Council and how we can work together to strengthen this relationship so that we thrive and not just survive into the future. 

So, whether you see me at the pool, the soccer, the school gate or up the street, feel free to come and say “hi” and share your thoughts and hopes for the futures of our communities.