Christmas Message from the Mayor

As we approach the end of the year, I would like to reflect on the journey we have shared in Yass Valley over the past twelve months. 

This year has brought both significant challenges and wonderful celebrations to our region.  

Together, we navigated the impact of an eighteen-month drought that finally broke this spring, one of the toughest times for our farming community we have seen in decades.  

We are facing the challenges together from unprecedented energy project proposals, organised and attended community rallies for the duplication of the Barton Highway and advocated for the retention and improvement of our policing, NSW Fire & Rescue assets, and health services.  

Just this week, we saw our emergency service workers, Council staff and NSW Transport respond with great diligence to the lithium battery truck fire on the Hume Highway. This incident caused 12 hours of traffic congestion and required significant management through Yass as a detour during the first day of the school holidays. 

Council quickly requested police assistance at the traffic lights to keep vehicles moving through the main street and provided additional support throughout the day. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Visitor Information staff, Woolworths employees, and the community members who generously gave their time in the sweltering heat to provide food and water to passing motorists. That’s Yass Valley hospitality at its best!   

We have secured full grant funding for the Water Treatment Upgrade, which is progressing through the design phase. Additionally, our Councillors have steered the organisation through difficult financial decisions and refreshed our leadership team - welcoming CEO Gayleen Burley, Directors Peta Gardiner and Andrew Neil, and CFO Jason Maguire - to transform our strategic direction and workplace culture. 

We have also found many reasons to come together in solidarity. From the Christmas Carols in Yass, Murrumbateman and Bowning, to the Christmas on Comur Street Parade, the Murrumbateman Field Days, the Irish & Celtic Festival, and Yass Valley Business Chamber Awards - our spirit remains strong. We also stood united at our recent candlelight vigil in Yass to mourn the lives lost in the 14 December Bondi tragedy, standing with local Jewish families and all those in mourning. 

It is also a time to celebrate the everyday successes of our local businesses, Village Community Associations, schools and community organisations. I encourage you to share a shout-out for a local business or group that has made a difference this year. 

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us hold onto the message of hope and renewal: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). 

Local churches are welcoming residents and visitors to various services and carols on Christmas Eve and Day. The Yass Valley Anglican Church is once again hosting a Christmas Day Lunch to provide fellowship for anyone who may be alone or unable to celebrate at home this holiday. 

I wish each of you a safe and peaceful Christmas and holiday season. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to our emergency and essential service workers for their dedication to our safety during this time. 

Looking ahead, I would also invite, on behalf of Council, all our community to come together for the Australia Day Awards Celebration and Citizenship Ceremony at Coronation Park, Yass, on Monday 26 January. The event starts with a free community breakfast from 7.30am thanks to Rotary and Yass Valley Council.  

Merry Christmas and I pray for the blessing of a peaceful and prosperous new year for you all. 

Jasmin Jones 

Yass Valley Mayor