Mayor's message

I headed over to The Wool Road in Old Erowal Bay on Wednesday to get an update from the Manager Project Delivery, Beorn Hulme on how the rehab works are progressing. With several weeks of fine weather, the crews have been able to install two segments of reinforced concrete box culverts, with work on the remaining section of road under way. I’d like to thank the local community for their patience, putting up with a single-lane at this section. The good news is that it won’t be for much longer, with works due to be wrapped up by mid-December. 

Burrill Lake locals would have seen the heavy machinery in the lake this week. We’re doing beach scraping which involves mechanically moving sand from the lower part of the beach to the upper part to rebuild the foreshore. Next week, we’ll follow up with revegetation and fencing works to help protect the foreshore from storms and high tides. In relation to Lake Conjola, I continue to talk with the local community about dredging and ways we can put flood-mitigation measures in place. In particular, we’re keen to get clarity from the NSW Government about funding and the necessary approvals we need for dredging the ebb tide channel, and we’ll keep advocating to the relevant ministers.  

Good news for people who aren’t great at paperwork - we’ve extended the deadline on nominations for the Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards. We all know someone special who has gone above and beyond this year and here's your chance to honour a friend, family member, colleague, teammate or fellow volunteer who deserves to be recognised. You now have until 23 November to nominate and go in the draw to win a $500 Holiday Haven voucher. Head to our website for all the details.   

Speaking of celebrating our wonderful community members, I had the pleasure of attending the Sashes and Saddles event last Saturday. It was a celebration of the 2026 Nowra Show Young Woman Program and the great work these women do to give back to our community. Congratulations to Paige Clark on being named the 2026 Nowra Show Young Woman. And on Sunday, I got along to the kayak ramp launch where the community celebrated the new kayak launching facility on Short Street at Lake Tabourie. It was great to see the locals paddling up to the bridge and back and following up with a lovely BBQ.  

For all our ‘boaty’ friends, expired marine flare collections start this weekend. Most marine flares have a use-by date of three years and they must be replaced before the expiry date. They can only be disposed of safely at Marine Flare Disposal collection points and never in your kerbside bins. The full list of locations and times are here, starting with the Ulladulla Harbour boat ramp on Saturday 8 November from 4pm until 5.30pm. 

While you’re putting dates in the calendar, I'm excited to announce that I’ll be launching the Mayor’s Giving Box on Saturday 22 November at Nowra Centre Plaza. For more than 20 years, the annual campaign has been donating presents and funds to local charities and preschools to make sure no one misses out at this special time. I’ll have more details on how and where people can donate closer to the date. 

As always, we’re seeking your feedback on a couple of important projects. Here’s some links for you to learn more and have your say: 

My next Open Office session is on Friday 21 November, 10:30am until 2:30pm, at the Nowra Administration Building. Come along, have a chat and raise any issues you’re concerned about. 

Have a great weekend. 

Mayor,  

Patricia White 

This week, we began community consultation on our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). The DIAP is a four-year strategic plan that outlines Council’s commitments and priorities to overcome barriers and improve accessibility for people living with disability, their families and carers in the Shoalhaven. It's crucial people with lived experience contribute to the plan to ensure it reflects the services and infrastructure needed to live well in the Shoalhaven. I’m really passionate about this strategy so please head to our Get Involved page for the opportunity to provide your feedback.  

On Thursday I attended the Shoalhaven Art Gallery to officially launch HOME program with five local public schools; Falls Creek, Greenwell Point, Nowra, Sanctuary Point and Tomerong. This is a special exhibition showcasing student’s artworks which were inspired by the HOME workshops, and the artwork and cultural knowledge of Aunty Deirdre Martin and Aunty Cheryl Davison. I would also like to acknowledge the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit and the Art Gallery of NSW, teachers from the schools and Gallery Staff. The exhibition is on for the next two weeks, and I urge all residents and community members to go along to the Gallery, it is an exhibition that should not be missed.  

I'm pictured below with Lisa van den Dodler, Gallery NSW, artist Brayden, and Hannah Debus, Gallery NSW.

I’d also love your feedback on Council’s new Model Code of Meeting Practice which will come into effect from 1 January 2026. One of the proposed changes includes the introduction of a live-streamed public forum event before each meeting, so I’m keen for you to look at the changes and tell us if it gives residents a strong voice in local matters. The draft code is on exhibition from 31 October until 12 December 2025 and you can find it here.

In exciting news, soft plastics can now be dropped off at selected recycling and waste depots, diverting it from landfill and turning it into a clean, efficient fuel source. The plastic will be sent to a recycling residuals program and turned into Processed Engineered Fuel (PEF) which can be used as a substitute for fossil fuels. You can take your clean, soft plastic to West Nowra, Husky, Ulladulla, Berry, Callala and Sussex Inlet depots.  

Have you ever taught someone to drive? I've got to say, it’s not something you forget in a hurry. We have a free online workshop to give you practical advice on supervising learner drivers on 12 November (I wish this had been around when I was teaching my kids). Book your spot and help learners become safer drivers. Sign up here. 

Don’t forget to head over to our Get Involved website to see the latest projects we have on exhibition. We’re currently seeking your thoughts on the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2035 and Broughton Creek Flood Study  

There’s only one week left to nominate someone great for a Shoalhaven Australia Day Award. We all know someone special who has gone above and beyond this year and here's your chance to honour a friend, family member, colleague, teammate or fellow volunteer who deserves to be recognised and celebrated. Head to our website for all the details.  

And finally, on Monday I will be attending a Local Government NSW forum on key changes to NSW employment laws. They’ll be discussing the most significant workplace and industrial relations reforms in 30 years, and I’m keen to better understand the practical impact of new laws on councils and how to ensure we are compliant and safe. 

Have a great weekend.  

Mayor,  

Patricia White 

It’s been a busy week for our emergency services personnel with soaring temperatures, strong winds and thunderstorms, and an extreme fire danger rating declared on Wednesday. I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service in keeping our community safe during these challenging weather events. While there were no significant incidents or damage, it’s been an important reminder for all of us to prepare our homes and properties ahead of Summer. You can find some great tips on the NSW RFS website.    

We’ll begin community consultation from Monday to update our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). The DIAP is a four-year strategic plan that outlines Council’s commitments and priorities to overcome barriers and improve accessibility for people living with disability, their families and carers in the Shoalhaven. Keep an eye on our Get Involved web page for the opportunity to provide your feedback.  

I’d also like to take a moment this week to say a massive ‘thank you’ to Manildra Group who provided a $10,000 community grant to support the Mayor’s Christmas Giving Appeal for 2025 and 2026. For more than 20 years, the annual campaign has been donating presents and funds to local charities and preschools to make sure no one misses out at this special time. It was great to go out to Shoalhaven Starches with CEO, Andrew Constance and Salt Ministries’ Peter Dover to meet with the Shoalhaven Starches Site Manager, Tertius Jones to receive the community grant.   

Finally, I encourage you to head over to our Get Involved website to view the latest projects we have on exhibition. We’re currently seeking your thoughts and feedback on the following document. 

Mayor,  

Patricia White  

It’s impossible to live in the Shoalhaven and not appreciate our abundant birdlife. My backyard is full of birds, and while I can’t identify them all, I'll certainly be taking part in the Aussie Bird Count which starts on Monday. From complete beginners to certified birds-nerds, the Aussie Bird Count app can help you identify birds based on their size, colour and features. Head to the BirdLife Australia website and help take a national snapshot of the birds in our backyards all next week. 

Council is seeking passionate young people who are interested in driving change and being a voice for youth in the city to apply to join our Youth Advisory Committee. Congratulations to the wonderful Chloe Turner on her appointment to the committee, but we still need two more residents aged 12 to 25 years to represent the views of our local youth. Visit our Youth Advisory Committee web page for more information. 

Last Saturday, our new CEO, Andrew Constance and I headed down to the South Street car park in Ulladulla to launch the two EV charging stations. They are the first of its generation 300kW Evie ultra-fast charger, capable of charging an EV in around 15 minutes. It was great to see these chargers in action, and know that they will help to boost tourism and support diversity of vehicle options in our region.  

On Saturday afternoon I then had the pleasure of attending Australian Volleyball Super League matches between the NSW Phoenix and the Adelaide Storm at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Complex in Bomaderry. Women's and men's matches were played, with the women's game featuring Shoalhaven locals Lacey Bruce and Mireille Smith in the NSW Phoenix team. Congratulations to both the Phoenix Women who won 3-2 and the men’s team who won 5-0.  

Our staff dress-up comp as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month shone the light on the importance of regular self-checks and breast screening. There were lots of pink tutus, pink cupcakes, bucket hats (to match my pink top) and fundraising as our people got behind this important cause. Head to BreastScreen NSW for more info and to book an appointment.

Residents in the township of Berry and its surrounds are invited to view a recent flood study of the area to learn more about their flood risk and inform how it will be managed in the future. View the Broughton Creek Flood Study and to complete the survey, head to Council’s Broughton Creek Flood Study Get Involved webpage.   

We covered a lot of issues at Tuesday night’s Council meeting and if you’re curious about topics such as the voluntary house raising scheme at Lake Conjola or our upcoming Waste Strategy, you’ll find more information on Council’s Latest News section. Always worth a look to see what’s happening across our busy organisation. 

Have a great weekend. 

Mayor,

Patricia White

Just a couple of days into his new role and Council’s new CEO, Andrew Constance has certainly hit the ground running. I’ve seen him in back-to-back meetings over the past few days, keen to learn the ropes and get to know as many people as possible. He’s also used the past week to craft his vision for Council, with a focus on improving Council’s financial sustainability and service delivery while maintaining the area’s natural beauty. You can read more about it here.

As a local, Andrew is as passionate as I am about a prosperous Shoalhaven and I know he has his sights set on building strong relationships with staff, Councillors, local members and the community to provide a positive future for our city. I look forward to working with him to grow our economy and provide greater opportunities for our local residents and businesses.

To my diary, and it’s not every day I get to launch an EV charging station, but on Saturday I’ll be wandering down to the South Street car park in Ulladulla to check out the two charging stations. They are the first of its generation 300kW Evie ultra-fast charger capable of charging an EV in around 15 minutes, which is pretty incredible. We know there are many benefits to having EV chargers in the Shoalhaven including boosting tourism, encouraging EV adoption and promoting sustainable travel.

Have you got your nominations in for the Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards? We all have a family member, friend or colleague who has gone above and beyond this year. There’s a $500 Holiday Haven tourist park voucher up for grabs for people who go to the effort of nominating so don’t wait and nominate today.   

If you’ve driving through Nowra, keep your eyes out for Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre glowing pink. I mentioned last week that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month but I certainly think it’s worth a reminder. The bright pink SEC aims to raise awareness about the disease and we hope it's a trigger for women to book in a regular breast screen. We know that early detection is crucial for improving the chances of survival so make sure you spread the word with friends and family.

To our Basin, and works on The Wool Road in Old Erowal Bay are progressing well, but we do have a night closure planned for next week. On Friday 17 October, from 7pm to 5am, the road will be closed for culvert replacement works. That means taking the detour via Tomerong so please allow an extra 20 minutes. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

On exhibition and you still have time to provide feedback on our Draft Heritage Strategy, as well as time to have your say on the new playground equipment you’d like to see at McDonald Parade Reserve in Burrill Lake and Andrew Crescent Reserve in Worrigee.

It's the last weekend before the kids go back to school. Enjoy.

Mayor,

Patricia White

Congratulations to Cr Peter Wilkins who was re-elected as Deputy Mayor and Cr Selena Clancy who takes on the role of Assistant Deputy Mayor for the first time. Both Peter and Selena are great leaders with passion for their communities and I look forward to working with them over the next 12 months. 

The Illawarra Business Awards were held at the weekend and there were some big wins for the Shoalhaven. Kangaroo Valley based Supercalla Private Properties took out the Excellence in Micro Business Award while the Shoalhaven Business Chamber took out Outstanding Local Chamber Award. An outstanding achievement for local business and their advocates. 

Wonderful news for George Brown who has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship which is a competitive overseas travel grant. George is the Park Manager of Booderee National Park and he joins other Aussies who will travel the world in search of solutions to real-world problems. George's project explores Indigenous-led co-management of national parks. 

I hope to be announcing Council’s new CEO next week with an Extra Ordinary Meeting scheduled for Monday 29 September to confirm recruitment. Hopefully we can make it official and welcome in the next leader of the organisation. Watch this space. 

With school holidays on the horizon, some parents will be looking forward to slowing down and spending the days in pyjamas, while others will be desperate to find activities. Luckily we have you covered with a raft of fun things to do including a pool party at Sussex Inlet Leisure Centre next Friday – a great excuse for the kids to take their first dip of the season. You can find a list of activities here. 

There’s one place you won’t be dipping just yet, with the Ulladulla Sea Pool under repair. Thankfully works are due to be finished in a few weeks' time which will certainly be welcome news for locals who love their daily swim over the warmer months. 

Out for feedback is the draft Shoalhaven Heritage Strategy which you can find on our Documents on Exhibition page and we’re also seeking your opinion on what type of playground equipment you’d like to see at McDonald Parade Reserve in Burrill Lake, and Andrew Crescent Reserve in Worrigee. Head over to our Get Involved page and let us know what you think the kids would enjoy. 

My next Open Office session will be in Nowra from 10am on Friday 3 October so please come by, say hi, and raise any issues that are important to you. Check the Open Office events page for more details. 

Before I sign off, Rob Powell sadly passed away earlier this month and I'd like to extend my condolences to his family. Rob was very involved in the local community and a much-loved husband, father and friend.  

Please have a safe and happy weekend.  

Mayor,

Patricia White

Speaking of successful projects, Council has secured more than $900,000 in funding from the NSW Government to help undertake crucial work that will protect the Shoalhaven coastline from various environmental hazards, for future generations. You can learn more about the projects here.  

This funding is made even more pertinent as the Australian Climate Service this week released the country’s first National Climate Risk Assessment. It warns that 1.5 million Australians are at risk from sea levels rising by 2050 unless climate change can be limited. I applaud and support the service’s calls to the Australian Government to develop a coordinated national response to coastal climate risks.  

With the weather heating up now we’re entering the tail end of the year, it's important to prepare your property for potential bush fire risk. This weekend the Rural Fire Service is throwing open the doors of several local brigades for Get Ready weekend. They’ll provide practical advice to help you protect your homes. You can find more information at the RFS website.  

Don’t forget to head over to our Get Involved page and Documents on Exhibition website to view the latest projects, plans and policies we have on exhibition awaiting your feedback.  

I’m also always happy to chat with you in person about Council matters at my Open Office sessions. My next session will be in Nowra on Friday 3 October. Please check the Mayor’s Open Office events page for more details. 

Finally, I’d like to give a shoutout to the talent on show at the Nowra Players 2025 Youth Drama Awards held last weekend. I had the great pleasure of attending and meeting many of the wonderful young participants. I was so impressed by all of the incredible performances and was humbled to hand out the awards.  

Have a great weekend.  

Mayor, 

Patricia White 

Three of our road crew are heading to Taree on the NSW Mid North Coast this Sunday to help with the recovery effort following the devastating floods in May. We understand all too well the impact natural disasters have on the region and help in the way of road repairs is certainly something we can offer. I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing the team a safe journey and a productive week with our northern neighbours.

Locally, we’re starting work on the Dolphin Point footpath to provide a safer connection between the Lions Park at Burrill Lake and Seaside Parade. Locals will be happy to see this project start thanks to NSW Government funding. We’ll also be undertaking the construction of four raised ‘wombat’ pedestrian crossings on Owen Street and Hawke Street in Huskisson once designs are complete and tenders are done later this year. This project is being funded under the Get NSW Active program which aims to improve the safety and movement of pedestrians.

Congratulations to the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) who have just marked their 40th anniversary. I was lucky enough to attend their celebration and athlete awards last week to see snowboard cross athlete, Marci Davis-Coo, take out the Athlete of the Year Award. The Shoalhaven has a long tradition of supporting the IAS so here’s to many more years of nurturing our local talent. 

(L-R) Recreation Manager, Matt Graham, me, IAS President, Sharon Wingate and IAS CEO, Salv Carmusciano.

As always, we’re seeking your feedback on a couple of important projects listed below:

• Draft Berry DCP and Planning Proposal public exhibition | closes 19 September.
• Arthur Jones Reserve, Lake Conjola - Playground Replacement | Get Involved Shoalhaven | closes 15 September.

Change to Open Office session

My Open Office sessions have just changed and will now be on Thursday 18 September in Sussex Inlet and then on Friday 3 October in Nowra. Head over to the Mayor’s Open Office events page for the full details.

If you haven't already, remember to vote in the Kiama by-election on Saturday 13 September. Voting locations can be found on the NSW Electoral Commission website, with several places in Nowra, Kangaroo Valley, Berry and Shoalhaven Heads.

This week’s R U OK? Day provides a timely reminder to check in with people in your life and be there to listen to how they’re feeling. The RUOK? website has some excellent resources if you’re not sure where to begin, and remember, you don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a thoughtful person who can listen. 

Mayor,

Patricia White

Father’s Day means something different to everyone, but for me, it’s a reminder of what a wonderful father Garry has been to our four kids and seven grandchildren over all these years. He’s just turned 70 and he’s lost none of his spark, wisdom and affection for our children and grandkids. Whatever you do this Sunday, here’s to all the dads, pops and father figures who bring joy to our lives each day and deserve some special attention on Sunday

Sunday also happens to be National Threatened Species Day which raises awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction. This year in the Shoalhaven we’re focusing on the importance of tree hollows (holes in the trunk or branches of living or dead trees) which provide a safe place for wildlife to take shelter and breed. Keep an eye on Council’s socials for interesting facts, like it can take hundreds of years for a hollow to form.

Early voting (Pre-poll) starts this weekend and locations for the Kiama by-election will be open from Saturday 6 September until Friday 12 September. The early voting centre in the Shoalhaven is St Stephen's Anglican Church in Bomaderry but make sure you check details online.

Now that we’re getting closer to the warmer months, there’s a few things to remember if you’re getting your house and land prepared for bushfire season. The RFS has advised that from September 1, anyone intending to conduct private hazard reduction burning such as pile burns, needs a fire safety permit. They’re free and available from the RFS. Also, we're offering free disposal of garden waste at all our recycling and waste depots during September. Fees will continue to apply for commercial operations.

If you’re really embracing spring, why not head to Huskisson and enjoy the award-winning village. I was lucky enough to be in Canberra for Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards this week, where Husky took home silver in the Tiny Tourism Town category. This means Husky is the second-best town in Australia in the category. In previous years Husky has won Gold and Bronze and is now in the Tourism NSW Hall of Fame. It is truly a testament to the stunning natural environment, and amazing local businesses who make the town what it is.  A special thank you to Council’s outdoor staff for the wonderful job they do in maintaining Husky.  Congratulations to everyone.

Ulladulla’s Community Expo is on next Thursday 11 September at the Dunn Lewis Centre. This annual event is your chance to discover over 100 local groups, engage with community initiatives, and enjoy a day filled with connection and family-friendly activities. Get along and enjoy food stalls, performances and learn more about your local community.

As always, we’re seeking your feedback on a couple of important projects listed below:

• Draft Berry DCP and Planning Proposal public exhibition | closes 19 September
• Arthur Jones Reserve, Lake Conjola - Playground Replacement | Get Involved Shoalhaven | closes 15 September

Open Office sessions coming up are on Saturday 13 September and Friday 3 October. Head over to the Mayor’s Open Office events page for the full details. I hope to see you there.

Mayor,

Patricia White