Local Government Week 2026

Published on 03 August 2026

Celebrating Local Government Week in Yass Valley 

Yass Valley Council is celebrating Local Government Week from 3–9 August 2026 by highlighting the projects, services and achievements delivered over the past year that continue to support a strong, connected and thriving Yass Valley community. 

Local Government Week recognises the vital role councils play in the everyday lives of residents - from delivering essential services and maintaining infrastructure to supporting community wellbeing, protecting the environment and planning for the future. 

Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones said the week is an opportunity to reflect on the strong connection between Council and the community it serves.  

"Local Government Week is an opportunity to celebrate the important role that Councils play in supporting our communities and creating places where people can live, work and thrive," Mayor Jones said. 

The scale of work managed by Yass Valley Council is significant. Council's dedicated team maintains more than 1,200 kilometres of roads, 83 bridges and 73 kilometres of pathways, alongside managing 198 kilometres of water mains, nine reservoirs, and the Water Treatment and Sewage Plants. Council also operates seven waste transfer stations, library services and a mobile library van. 

"From maintaining our roads, parks and public spaces to supporting community programs, preparing for emergencies and planning for the future, Councils are working across a wide range of areas to build stronger and more resilient communities," Mayor Jones continued. "While much of the work happens behind the scenes, the impact of Local Government can be seen in the places people gather, the services they rely on and the support available when challenges arise." 

Mayor Jones emphasised the personal connection Council has with the region. 

"What Councillors and staff love most about local government is that we get to serve our very own community. We are your neighbours, your sports teammates, and the parents you see at the school gates. We know Yass Valley's needs and the vision that drives our work because it is our community, too." 

In addition to maintaining essential infrastructure, Council cares for parks, sports facilities and seven cemeteries. The planning team also undertakes strategic work to support future growth, processing around 500 development applications and managing approximately 750 compliance matters each year. 

   

 

"Local Government Week is also a time to recognise the dedication of our Councillors, Staff, Volunteers and Community Partners who work together to deliver positive outcomes for our Yass Valley community," Mayor Jones concluded. "Strong Local Government is essential to strong communities, and we remain committed to serving our residents and helping our region continue to grow." 

Beyond major projects, Council continues to deliver a wide range of everyday services that support the community, including library services, destination and tourism support, pet registration and microchipping, cemetery management, weed management and community programs.

    

 

"Much of what Council delivers happens quietly in the background, but these services are essential to the way our community functions," CEO Gayleen Burley said. 

"Our staff are passionate about making a difference and ensuring Council remains responsive, sustainable and focused on the needs of our residents." 

"Local Government Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of our teams and celebrate the many ways local government helps build stronger communities." 

Yass Valley Council thanks its staff, volunteers, partners and community members for their ongoing support and looks forward to continuing to deliver positive outcomes for the Yass Valley region.