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JULY 19, 2024
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The joy of giving
Regional councillor quits
Mayor’s Christmas appeal launched with $110,000 target
l CASSOWARY COAST
l CAIRNS REGION
A NEW Cassowary Coast regional councillor has quit just four months into the job. Division 1 Cr Peter Reed resigned earlier this week and told councillors he was no longer able to continue his role due to personal circumstances. He said he had apologised to Mayor Teresa Millwood, explaining how illness in the family, alongside emerging professional commitments, had rendered his capability to fully represent the community untenable. “As a councillor it’s important to be able to fully represent the community, and I regret that my personal situation has not allowed for me to dedicate the time needed to continue,” Cr Reed said. Under the Local Government Act 2009, if a councillor’s office becomes vacant the council must decide, by resolution, whether the vacancy is to be filled by a by-election (section 166) or by vacancy notice to the runner-up from the 2024 Local Government Election (section 166A).
| Nick Dalton THE Mayor’s 2024 Christmas Charity target has almost reached the half-way stage already. The appeal has kicked off with a record $52,450 committed by donors. The annual campaign provides hampers for local families and senior citizens who need a helping hand during the Christmas festive period. At last week’s launch, Bendigo Bank and Kenfrost Homes committed $20,000 each to the appeal. Other donations included Heightened Security ($5400), Babinda Electrics ($4000), Sea Swift ($1000), and Miller Harris Lawyers ($1000). It was highest ever amount donated at the launch of the annual appeal. Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the demand for hampers had increased in recent years. “Cost-of-living pressures are obviously having an impact on our residents and last year we saw a dramatic increase of 200
requests for hampers – from 750 to 950,” she said. “There’s a strong possibility this number may increase again this year. To provide 950 hampers we needed $105,000. This year we are aiming for an ambitious fundraising goal of $110,000 that will allow us to distribute 1000 hampers to those in need this Christmas.” Residents can donate via the council’s website (search Mayor’s Christmas Charity). A baubles barometer is to be installed at the council’s administration building in Spence St to keep track of the fundraising total. “Hopefully it’s overflowing by December,” Cr Eden said. “We understand this is a challenging target, so we are continuing with our signature event this year to bolster our fundraising efforts, although we are planning something a little different.” Ruth’s Women’s Shelter manager Emalee Anstee said the group had received hampers over the last couple of years.
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Kenfrost Homes general manager Adam Gowlett (left) and Mayor Amy Eden add baubles to the fundraising barometer. Picture: Cairns Regional Council
PREPARE FOR BUSHFIRE SEASON NOW
| Nick Dalton
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