Mayoral Message - November & December 2025
Published on 04 December 2025
As the festive glow of Christmas and New Year approaches, this monthly message serves as a timely tool to share the exciting events ahead and reflect on the noteworthy progress, advocacy, and community activities of the last month. 2025 has truly reaffirmed that Yass Valley is a community with a big heart!
Pictured right: Mayor Jones with CRJO local mayors represent their shires at NSW Parliament House
A Season of Community and Cheer
Our calendar is sparkling with events designed to bring us together:
- Combined Churches Community Carols – Sun 7 Dec: Head to Victoria Parkin Yass for a free and inclusive evening. Activities kick off at 4.30 pm, with carols starting at 6pm.
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Christmas on Comur Street – Thu 11 Dec: Our Main Street will come alive next week with a dazzling parade, market stalls, live entertainment
and, of course, a visit from the Big Man himself. My heartfelt thanks go to Council staff, the dedicated volunteer committee, local businesses, and all participants for making this celebration of our holy season so special.
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Vinnies Christmas Appeal: Thank you to all residents - including families donating through participating schools - and the Vinnies Store for contributing to the food drive. Your generosity ensures a brighter Christmas for those in need.
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The Vine Church – Community Christmas Lunch – Sat 13 Dec: Join them for a community festive lunch. Thank you to their Food Care and outreach work, which is a vital lifeline for many.
- Christmas Day Lunch – Thu 25 Dec: If you find yourself alone or struggling to cope with or afford a joyful celebration, the Yass Valley Anglican Church is just one organisation offering a free Christmas lunch and relaxed fellowship on Christmas Day.
- Summer School Holiday Program: Our program will feature arts and craft, a radio experience, family movie and a 'day out'. Keep your eye on our socials for details how to book!
WATER NEWS
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: Full Steam Ahead!
The high-priority Yass Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Upgrade is advancing, and we are currently on schedule.
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Discoloured water: Until the WTP and reticulation system upgrades are complete, the risk of discoloured water and boil water alerts will unfortunately remain. Rest assured, Council’s highly skilled staff are doing everything possible to reduce these occurrences.
STRONG ADVOCACY FOR YASS VALLEY
We have been actively fighting for our community's needs at the highest levels:
- Local Government NSW Conference: On behalf of our community, I have been able to successfully move motions, and support even more motions, to guide this peak organisation’s advocacy to focus on key issues for Yass Valley - such as:
- fairer infrastructure funding,
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reinstatement of drought as a natural disaster, and
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NSW Councils’ access to the National Messaging System currently under construction for targeted emergency messages (such as Boil Water Alerts).
Picture: Gayleen Burley CEO, Major Jones, Clr Al Charry attend the LGA Conference
Cross-Border Policing Forum at NSW Parliament: I pitched the need for capacity funding for our Yass Police within The Hume Police District, recognising the extra workload generated by complex cross-border challenges with the ACT. This informed advocacy is made possible by our strong relationship with Yass Police Inspector, Dave Cowell, and his team (Picture right: Insp Dave Cowell and Mayor Jones at Remembrance Day Service, Yass).
- Renewable Energy Challenges HumeLink Legacy Funding: I have met with TransGrid CEO, the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, and members of the Australian Energy Regulator Board & Executive team to further our case for regional enhancement funds of $10,000 per kilometre annually for hosting 51 km of the HumeLink towers. This would be a legacy payment that recognises the significant impact on our region - from resident amenity to impacting our Destination Experience tourism appeal.
- Bookham Turbine project: Council had a respectful meeting with Squadron Energy CEO, Rob Wheals, and his team regarding community concerns about the proposed massive Bookham Turbine project.
- Premier at Country Mayors Meeting NSW Parliament: I took the opportunity to give Premier Minns a quick overview of some of the current
key issues for Yass Valley, including a 'fair go' for regions outside Renewable Energy Zones, a reasonable cap on State Significant Developments, and the urgent need to amend planning changes that remove local councillor representation from all future DA assessments. The Premier committed to looking into this. (Picture right: Chris Minns discussing local issues with Mayor Jones)
- Hospital Advocacy: I am pleased to report that following distressed community alerts, I was able to successfully demand the restoration of the vital NSW Pathology blood courier service at Yass District Hospital, which had been cut by 50%. This essential service supports the 6,484 patients cared for in our Emergency Department annually.
- Property Council’s Capital Region Housing Summit: Joining the panel of speakers on behalf of Yass Valley, I responded to the recent planning reforms and what they mean for our region. It was also dynamic exchange of ideas aimed at building inclusive, sustainable communities.
- Government House Visit: Last month, I had the privilege of visiting NSW Government House for the first time alongside fellow NSW Country Mayors Association delegates. A sincere thank you to Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, 39th Governor of New South Wales, for hosting us. It was a truly memorable event.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS AND TRIBUTES
- Murrumbateman Excellence: Congratulations to the Murrumbateman Field Days, Murrumbateman Chocolate Co, and Shaw Estate Winery
for winning a trio of accolades at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards! When you visit Yass Valley, you are savouring a world-class experience (Picture right: With Exhibitors at the Murrumbateman Field days - Landon Hodgkinson -YV Business Chamber, Mayor Jones, Bryon McIntyre, Bob Nanva - Government Representative for Goulburn)
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Vale Mark Livermore: Our community’s heart is with Maree and family following the passing of Mark Livermore, 'the man with the big heart for others.' Mark's impact, whether through his volunteer work or his eight years as Council’s Manager Environmental Services, was profound and widely valued. May his soul rest in the peace of God’s eternal love and light.
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Thank You, Dr. Gary Jones: After 23 years of dedication, compassion, and leadership caring for patients at Yass Hospital, congratulations Dr. Jones on an incredible career.
- Celebrating Community Pillars: Jean & Geoff Frost: It was a true honour to celebrate the incredible contributions of Jean and Geoff Frost,
who are genuine pillars of our community. Their tireless volunteer work over the decades for organisations like Yass Can Assist, Yass Hospital Auxiliary, Yass FM 100.3, and Yass Valley Council is nothing short of inspirational. A sincere thank you to the Rotary Club of Yass, NSW, for hosting a celebratory dinner where we highlighted their dedication. It is fantastic news that Geoff and Jean have been awarded Rotary's highest acknowledgment, The Paul Harris Fellowship. Whether lifting hope, restoring dignity with financial assistance, or connecting residents with vital services, their hands-on help has made a profound difference in the lives of those in most dire need. Thank you, Geoff and Jean, for everything you do for Yass Valley and beyond (Picture right: Geoff and Jean Frost).
- Yass Soldiers Club Official Opening: It was my honour to stand alongside Club President Ross Webster to welcome General the Honourable David Hurley and Mrs. Linda Hurley for the official opening of the beautifully refurbished Yass Soldiers Club, celebrating the biggest renovation in 30 years for this community landmark.
- Yuma Catch-up - Strengthening Community and Country: Our second Yuma catch-up with our Elders and Ngunnawal knowledge holders
attracted new attendees. Conversations were across lots of topics but, most importantly, it helps councillors and staff connect and get to know our First Nations community. I would also like to extend a warm congratulations to the new board members stepping into roles at Onerwal Aboriginal Land Council. We are particularly delighted that our local powerhouse, Marcayla Stopp, is returning to bring her energy and skills back as the interim CEO. I look forward to strengthening our connections to community and country together. (Picture right: Auntie Cherelle Bell and Auntie Wendy Brown (centre), with YVC staff and Councillors)
Remembrance Day
Thank you to the Yass RSL sub-branch for hosting the well-attended Remembrance Day service in Yass, and to all community members and students across the Yass Valley who honoured our service men and women. I was honoured to give the address at the Service at RSL LifeCare - Thomas Eccles Gardens, Yass held a day ahead. Well done to all, especially Yass Public School students who added their voices to ‘remember the fallen’. Thank you to the dedicated staff for hosting.
National Treasures – Local Stories Launch
Our community has a world-class exhibition thanks to the dedication of the Yass & District Historical Society volunteers. "National Treasures - Local Stories" is now open at the Yass Valley History Centre, displaying lovingly curated items of national significance, accompanied by their local connections. It was a privilege to celebrate the official opening with Patron Marion McCarthy, guest speaker Ben Maguire AM and President Tanya Cullen and members, recognising the hard work and knowledge that brought this exhibition together for our community and our visitors. (Picture right: Wendy Tuckerman and Mayor Jones at the Local Stories launch)
Blessing of the Fire Trucks
As fire season is upon us, it’s a timely reminder to stay vigilant, know your response plan and a chance for me to extend gratitude to the NSW RFS - Bowning Brigade and all our local RFS volunteers for their continued service and protection. The Yass Valley Anglican Church recently hosted a special Blessing of the Fire Trucks at Bowning, followed by a fantastic bonfire and dinner for the community. Thank you, RFS, for all you do.
CANASSIST at Cliftonwood
Many families had a fantastic time at the Cliftonwood CAN ASSIST event on the 1st November. It was an honour to open the fundraiser at the historic homestead. The day was a true family affair, with markets, tours, working antique machinery, delicious Devonshire teas, and even a popular rock climb wall - a perfect blend of history, fun, and community support.
It was a pleasure of attending the opening of the VASY annual exhibition hosted at Tyger Gallery. This delightful community of local artists truly spark joy and prove how nurturing encouragement leads to beautiful creations. The opening was a vibrant gathering of artists and, more importantly, friends. (Picture right: VASY opening at Tyger Gallery).
COUNCIL NEWS
Yass Valley Tourism Meets Destination Southern NSW
It was productive to meet with Richard and Jess from Destination Southern NSW and Destination NSW this past month to discuss opportunities within Yass Valley. Council’s tailored marketing materials and the expertise of our economic development team are vital in attracting visitors to our iconic events and local businesses.
If you have an event planned or are a local tourism-based business and want to elevate your offering to the level of a NSW Destination flagship experience, please get in touch with our team. (Picture right: Destination NSW with our YVC Destination team).
Welcoming Our New Director of Planning & Environmental Services
Yass Valley Council is very pleased to welcome Andrew Neil as our new Director of Planning and Environment. Andrew brings twenty years of invaluable experience in statutory and strategic urban and regional planning across local government, state government, and the private sector. His well-rounded background includes work with the City of Sydney, Maitland City Council, and Glen Innes Severn Council, covering dense urban, high-growth, and small rural communities.
Andrew’s expertise in areas such as urban design, placemaking, active transport, and sustainable development will be instrumental as he leads the preparation of key strategic documents for our Valley.
Yass Valley Library & Crago Mill Precinct Update
The new Library is progressing well, featuring light-filled spaces, a ‘makers space’ for classes, a youth ‘Chill lounge,’ and corporate meeting rooms. Plans to include a Yarning circle and Ngunnawal artwork are underway. The opening will align with the completion of the new administration building, anticipated in early 2026, to ensure safe access. (Picture right: YVC staff inspect the new library)
Stage 2 (Commercial Building and full Crago Mill restoration) remains discontinued due to financial sustainability commitments, but structural and beautification works will proceed alongside the old administration building demolition to maximise precinct usability.
‘Your Voice Counts’ (YVC) Online Engagement Platform Launched
We have launched our new online engagement platform, ‘Your Voice Counts’ (YVC), providing an accessible way to participate in Council projects via surveys and polls. Council remains committed to face-to-face engagement, including ‘Mornings with the Mayor & Deputy’ meetings.
Friendship City Partnership Reaffirmed
Yass Valley Council has reaffirmed our 2019 Friendship City partnership with Wuzhou, People’s Republic of China. Council dispatched a comprehensive package including a mayoral letter, the Yass Valley Regional Prospectus, our Tourism Guide, and digital links to local attractions and business leaders. A special thank you to the ACT Chinese Council of Commerce for their continued assistance in this important relationship. (Picture right: Andrew Ng and Roger Hausmann, ACT Chinese Council of Commerce, with Mayor Jones and Georgia Morris, YVC)
Music in the Meadows
Council supported an exciting collaboration to bring a Canberra Symphony Orchestra ensemble to Yass Valley for a magical evening of modern music in an historic setting at HighClere Farm with tickets sold out. The Mayor may or may not have run amok getting the crowd dancing. We hope this becomes a signature event on the Visit Yass Valley/CSO calendar!
Yass Valley Library – Author Talks
A highlight for me over the past month was the ‘In conversation’ event with Yass’ home-grown children’s fantasy author and illustrator, Sarah Giddy, at the Yass Valley Library. I had to tap into those journalist skills to interview Sarah in front of a live audience and it was fascinating to learn how she created her first major novel, Flight of the Drakkonbarq, which features over eighty artworks and draws inspirational features from Yass’ natural landscape, including the Yass Gorge and significant local trees. This is a story that resonates with all ages. I highly recommend picking up a copy of Flight of the Drakkonbarq (published by Riveted Press) as a Christmas gift whether you are 8 or 80 - it’s enthralling! (Picture right: Sarah Giddy in conversation with Mayor Jones).
I hope to see our community out enjoying the Combined Churches Carols at Victoria Park this Sunday (7th), Christmas on Comur St the following Thursday (11th) or just out and about enjoying our many homes lovingly decorated for the festive season. Please support our local businesses if you are looking for a special gift for friends and family and thank you for being an active part of our wonderful Yass Valley community!
Our community is always in my prayers, but never more so than at Christmas where we reflect on the message of hope from God through Jesus who came into the world to serve and save.
May the gift of peace, joy and love find you this Christmas.