On behalf of the Council, I extend warm wishes to you and your families for a happy and prosperous New Year. I hope you enjoyed a joyous Christmas and holiday season.
As we step into 2026, I reflect on our achievements for our community in 2025. In November, we adopted the 2024/2025 Annual Report, which highlighted another year of progress under our updated Community Strategic Plan 2024-2030, striving towards a vision where our community is Proud, Progressive, and Prosperous.
2025 Highlights include:
- Commenced the re-development of the new George Town Aquatic Health and Well-being Centre
- Renovated the Jim Mooney Gallery
- Conducted a Community Satisfaction Survey
- Welcomes a new business by leasing the Anzac Drive Building
- Delivered another successful Solstice in the Square event
- Our Caring for Cats Program
- 2025 Christmas Carnival
I encourage you to explore our Annual Report for more details on these achievements and our Annual Plan for our future directions and actions.
Huge congratulations to our staff and teams! We’re thrilled to have been recognised at the George Town Chamber of Commerce Business
- Excellence Awards, October 2025, with the following achievements:
- Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign – Solstice in the Square
- Trainee of the Year – Charlotte, Trainee in Parks and Gardens
- Community Contribution Award – George Town Youth Impact Council
A massive thank you to our incredible staff and team for their dedication, creativity, and community spirit. We couldn’t be prouder of these achievements!
I am also proud of Council’s commitment to youth development through the Our Futures Youth Program. With initiatives including Launchpad Drop-in Sessions, offering weekly creative and mentoring activities, and the Seagulls to Chips Program supporting leadership and creative development, we look forward to seeing what our youth get up to this year.
Looking ahead, 2026 promises exciting developments. We will see the completion of the Aquatic Health and Wellbeing Centre, continue our advocacy efforts (see our Advocacy Plan on our website), and celebrate community events like Solstice in the Square. Stay tuned for more announcements on upcoming projects.
This October, local government elections will take place. If you have an interest in shaping the future of our community, I encourage you to consider running for Council. Information will be available in the coming months.
As the warmer weather continues, I urge all residents to review and update their bushfire plans. Planning ahead is critical, it reduces stress and can significantly lessen the impact of an emergency. Being prepared could save lives and protect what matters most to you.
Council remains committed to building a better community for everyone. Our 2026 Roadshows will provide an excellent platform for you to share your thoughts and ideas on future projects. I look forward to connecting with many of you throughout the year and working together to make George Town an even better place to live, work, and thrive.
Here’s to a fantastic 2026!
Message from the Mayor
Cr Greg Kieser
