This week Rotarians heard from Bim Lange, Barossa Valley Mayor who began his presentation with a rundown of his vast experience in local government; 45 years in varied roles, as he put it "From grave digger to Mayor"!  With a council consisting of six new members and five returning councillors,  he predicted significant changes, challenges and opportunities for the area over the next five years and stressed that the old may not be the way of the future. 

 

He outlined a 10-point plan for the Barossa, far too detailed to be represented adequately here so a few highlights ...

 

* Achieve ease of doing business with council (hear, hear!)

* Reforming the framework of local government.  

* Efficient governance and understanding services and service levels.

*  Address community, social and environmental thoughts for the future

*  Have a conversation about local government boundaries and reform - Revamping the 1996 Amalgamation as he thinks it is not sustainable.

* Connecting and understanding the first peoples of the Barossa.

 

Bim expressed a deep respect for his mentor, Brian Hurn, and cherished the times he worked alongside him.

 

He closed by saying that volunteer groups such as Rotary are the backbone of the Barossa and how much he loved meeting groups such as ours and he considered that truly to be what community is.

                               Letters to the Editor 

 

Having a fairly lacklustre response to this section (none!), I'm going to throw out a topic from this week's presentation by Bim Lange and ask for you thoughts.  Email me on below address, please.

 

Hard Rubbish Collection (or lack thereof) in the Barossa.

 

Your editor,

Roxane Canning (roxanecanning@hotmail.com)

 

 

 

 

 

Don't forget to register with Gavin Sidhu for the Quiz Night on 10th August. It is $10 per person in groups of 8 per table.

Lots of prizes and surprises for the evening which will be a test of your general knowledge for the quiz, your luck for the spot prizes and the depth of your pocket for the auctions.

The Venue is the Clubhouse but as the Management has given us the room for free, there will be Bar Service only, no Bring Your Own. Call or email Gavin, or book on the club Website through the Events option.

A great fellowship, socialising and entertaining evening that will generate funds for a very worthy cause.

Gavin was pleased to announce the event is full but encouraged anyone who wants to participate to come - they will add more tables!  He is still looking for donations for raffle prizes so get in touch if you can help.