Mayor's message

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

It's been another soggy week across the city and the consistent rainfall over the last few days has impacted many of our local roads. Please check live traffic for all of the latest updates about closures and detours before you travel, and slow down if you're out and about this weekend. 

It’s a transport themed message this week following my recent attendance at the South East Australian Transport Strategy (SEATS) quarterly meeting. SEATS is an advocacy group who push for road, rail, maritime and aviation projects that benefit our community and they work with road agencies in NSW and Victoria to shape priorities in transport infrastructure.   

Following the meeting, Transport for NSW provided a report that sets out the progress of local projects under the Princes Highway upgrade program. These include: 

• The Jervis bay Road intersection upgrade – in construction (pictured below)
• Nowra bypass – in planning
• Jervis Bay to Hawken Road upgrade – in planning 
• Hawken road to Sussex Inlet Road upgrade – in planning 
• Milton Ulladulla bypass – in planning 

The report also mentioned corridor safety upgrades including the installation and upgrade of flexible roadside safety barriers between Conjola Creek and Lake Conjola Entrance Road. I can confirm the work crews have been hard at it when I pass them on my way into Council. I’ll continue to keep you updated on these projects as they progress. 

To the Hampden Bridge in Kangaroo Valley and the NSW Government has announced their three-point plan for the urgent restoration of this historic bridge. The recent night repair works this month are on schedule and due to be completed this week. They are confident that the bridge can continue to remain open at a 23 tonnes limit while Transport engineers assess the best way to proceed. Investigation options for a new crossing are included in the media release and I will continue to advocate for a speedy resolution to this issue. 

It’s not often I have ferry news, but the Comerong Ferry will soon be out of action for maintenance. This occurs every five years to ensure the long-term safety and viability of the service.  A replacement boat will be in service for residents, but a reminder to day trippers there is no access to Comerong Island from 8 September until late November. It will be back in action for summer. 

Below you’ll find a few projects we’d like your feedback on and don’t forget documents on exhibition can always be found online. 

It’s looking like this rain is starting to clear so have a great weekend  

Mayor,  

Patricia White 

If you live in the north of the Shoalhaven make sure you mark Saturday 13 September in your diary. The NSW Electoral Commission has just announced the Kiama State by-election will be held on this day and if you are eligible to vote in NSW and live in the Kiama electorate you must vote in this by-election. If you’re unsure if you’re in the seat of Kiama, make sure to check online. 

One village in the Kiama electorate is Shoalhaven Heads and residents should expect to see some smoke next Monday 18 August as the RFS help Council with a controlled burn down by River Road Reserve. Branches and wooden logs have accumulated along the main foreshore, boat ramp and Carters Corner riverbank, and a burn-off is a logical solution to making this area more accessible for locals.  

For residents and businesses in Berry, we're seeking your feedback on proposed new planning and heritage provisions for your village. The draft Development Control Plan Chapter for part of Berry (east of the Princes Highway) and associated Planning Proposal to introduce a new Princess Street Heritage Conservation Area, are now on public exhibition. Have your say on the draft documents here by Friday 19 September, or why not head along to one of our info sessions next Tuesday 19 August at the following locations: 

It’s been a great week for staff achievements. On Tuesday we celebrated our people who have worked with Council for 10,20,30,40 and even 50 years! What an incredible amount of knowledge and skill we had at that morning tea – it was a real honour to attend. I thank our long-service staff for their service and for their ongoing care for our community. 

One long-serving member is Andrew McVey who has been appointed Director Shoalhaven Water. Andrew has been with Council for 24 years and is known for professionalism, leadership skills and passion for providing high-quality water and wastewater services to the community. Congratulations on this well-deserved promotion Andrew, and I look forward to continuing to working closely with you and the team. 

Have a great weekend. 

Mayor,

Patricia White

Welcome to Brian Barrett who has been appointed our interim CEO starting today. Brian is acting in the chief executive role while we finalise the recruitment process for our permanent CEO. We’re certainly in safe hands with Brian’s extensive experience working in local government. In recent years he has held senior positions at Marrickville Council, Inner West Council, Murray River Council, Derwent Valley Council, King Island Council and City of Parramatta.

I had the honour of attending the Shoalhaven RFS medal presentation last Sunday where volunteers were recognised for their selfless dedication and community spirit. The presentation included 36 Long Service Medals and 13 National Medals, with years of service ranging from 10 to an extraordinary 60 years. Sussex Inlet RFS stalwart, Graham Williams received his 60-year service medal having joined the RFS when he moved to Sussex Inlet in 1964. Congratulations Graham for doing the community proud and instilling community sacrifice in your family - it was lovely to see your grandson Jacob also receive a medal on the night.

The 2025 Regional NAIDOC Awards were also held last the weekend, celebrating the outstanding contributions by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations and allies across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. It was great to see so many incredible locals from the Shoalhaven acknowledged for their achievements including Ray Timbery, Marle Ashby, Betty Smith and CMJ Food Services. Thanks to Shellharbour Council for hosting this wonderful night in partnership with Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven Councils.

The Chairman of Country Mayors Association of NSW and Temora Shire Mayor, Rick Firman OAM, has described the recently announced cutbacks to Transport for NSW, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Bendigo Bank as impactful blows to rural, regional and remote communities. He voiced concerns that ‘regional commitment’ and ‘regional development’ have become hollow catchphrases of political or marketing convenience, following the announcement of NSW Government job cuts and Bendigo Bank Agency closures in a barrage of blows to the bush. He encouraged the NSW Government to consider how much more deeply cuts are felt in the bush, and ensure these cuts are not thrust on our rural and regional communities.

To residents in Callala Bay, Callala Beach and Myola, a heads-up that Shoalhaven Water is doing emergency works on a watermain on 5 and 6 August. That means there will be no water pressure overnight from 10pm to 5am on Tuesday and 10pm to 6am on Wednesday. Make sure you fill your kettles before you go to bed. More information is available on Shoalhaven Water’s website.

Stay dry and safe in this wet weather. Monitor Live Traffic NSW and download the Hazards Near Me App for any notifications.

Mayor,

Patricia White

It’s my last full week working with Acting CEO James Ruprai and I’m incredibly grateful for his leadership and support over the past eight months. James is taking on a wonderful new opportunity outside the Shoalhaven and we wish him all the best.  

The appointment of the new CEO will be announced at the Council meeting on Tuesday 29 July. We had a strong field of applicants and interviewed some very talented candidates. I’m really excited to share this news with you next week and officially welcome a new leader to the organisation. You can see what else we’ll be discussing in the meeting next week by going to our website. 

In a Council first, Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Cemetery in Worrigee is hosting a community open day on Friday 8 August to help overcome the stigma and discomfort many people feel around death and dying. The event is being held on Dying to Know Day - a national campaign to encourage all Australians to develop new knowledge and attitudes about how to deal with death, bereavement and support each other at the end of life. The open day starts at 9am and visitors have the opportunity to chat with the Bereavement Services team, hear about end-of-life choices and join a behind-the-scenes tour.  

We all know someone who has been touched by breast cancer, and screening is the most reliable way to detect this cancer early. The mobile Breast Screen Van is in Huskisson from now until 8 August, it then travels to Nowra, Bomaderry then Berry. Seeing the pink van around the Shoalhaven is a great reminder to head online and book an appointment.  

Do you know a woman or girl who volunteers in our community? Nominations are open for the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll recognition program.  It is a way to acknowledge and thank those who volunteer through a public tribute to recognise the vast number of women and girls who give their time and energy to help others. I certainly know many worthy candidates and will be nominating over the coming months. You can find all the details here.

It’s Schools Tree Day today which coincides with National Tree Day on Sunday 27 July.  Happy planting to the students from Berry Public School who will join volunteers from the  Boongaree Bushcare Group to plant trees propagated at the school’s nursery.  And may the sun shine for other community groups getting their hands dirty at tree planting events this weekend – I can’t wait to see the results.  

My Open Office session is on today, Friday 25 July from 2pm until 4pm in the Nowra Administration Building. I hope to see you there. 

Mayor,

Patricia White