This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin

November 14, 2024

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Oberon stopped to remember its fallen soldiers. I was privileged as Oberon's Mayor to lay a wreath and pay respects to our soldiers at the Oberon Sub-Branch service. It was fantastic to see a myriad of children from Oberon Public, and St Joseph's Schools also paying their respects.

The Oberon Outdoor Festival is progressing with a number of successful events already held and many more to come.

Last Friday, Oberon Council hosted the 18th Annual Local Government Golf Day. With over 300 participants, the Oberon Golf Course was a hive of activity. Oberon turned on a magical day for the event, which raised important funds for Lifeline.

This weekend Oberon Council will host the Teddy Bear's Picnic on Sunday 17 November. The event will run from 10am-2pm and will include family fun with old school games, face painting, story time and craft at Oberon Library.

The Oberon Chamber Music Festival will be held from 21 – 24 November. The festival will include several free community and school concerts on the festival's opening day. On Friday, November 22, the Malachi will host a special educational concert, Music Colours Your World, for 270 students and teachers from local schools: St. Joseph's Primary, Oberon Public School, and Oberon High School. The event will also include an invitation to Columbia Aged Care Residents, an outing that promises to lift their spirits. Later that day, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm a Community Gala Concert will be held at the Malachi. The festival continues through Saturday and Sunday, November 23–24, with four ticketed concerts. Under the artistic direction of Oberon local Emma Jardine, the weekend concerts feature renowned Australian Chamber musicians.

Oberon Redfin Roundup will be held on 30 November and 1 December and welcomes anglers of all ages and skill levels to Lake Oberon. Expect an array of prizes for the largest catch, biggest bag, age categories, and lucky door prizes. Demonstrations from participating sponsors, BBQ and refreshments available all weekend. Camping is free.

Other events coming up as part of the Outdoor Festival are:

• 17 November Teddy Bear's Picnic
• 21 – 24 November Oberon Chamber Music Festival
• 23 November Spring Lunch onboard vintage dining car OTHR
• 22-24 November Oberon Campdraft
• 30 November Skoberon Art Competition
• 30 November – 1 December Oberon Redfin Roundup
• 24 November Tarana Market

Over the next week the General Manager and I will be attending a number of important meetings. The Central NSW Joint Organisation Board Meeting will be held at Parliament House, Sydney on Wednesday 13 November. The representatives from across the Joint Organisation will also have an opportunity to meet with Ministers on Thursday 14 November to discuss areas of regional importance.

On Friday 15 November the Country Mayors Association will hold their Annual General Meeting and General Meeting. Deputy Mayor Katie Graham will represent Council at this meeting. The Country Mayors Association provides a platform for regional councils to lobby Government and is an important conduit for rural and regional councils to connect with members of Parliament.

On Sunday 17 November, the General Manager and I will be attending the Local Government NSW Annual Conference. This conference is being held over three days and will include all Local Government areas across NSW and will include a number of motions lodged by member councils from across the Local Government sector.

Andrew McKibbin
Mayor

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