I look forward to welcoming Edwina and working with her to achieve the objectives of the community.

Consultation with all residents within the Hilltops local government area is a key focus of Council.

Due to the considerable geographic area that our region covers, Village Workshops are an important part of it ensuring that residents in each of the villages as well as residents who live on farms are being provided ample opportunities to engage with Councillors and Executive staff.

These workshops are run as an open forum, with attendees given the ability to ask questions of Councillors and Executive Staff.

Residents are invited to join Hilltops Councillors and staff for each month for Workshop and BBQ with the location changing each month.

This is an opportunity for residents to voice their ideas, questions and concerns about all Council related matters.

The next Village Workshop will be held at Koorawatha Hall on Wednesday, September 12 from 6pm.

The October Village Workshop will be held in Maimuru on Wednesday, October 17.

Hilltops Council are committed to supporting the business community and assisting in developing local businesses and business owners.

This week CenWest Innovate held an Effective Recruitment Masterclass which was beneficial to all who attended.

Other upcoming events include a Tourism Development Workshop in Murrumbateman on Tuesday 11 September.

This workshop will help local businesses unlock their tourism potential by developing and promoting a great visitor experience that can be booked through a range of channels.

The workshop will provide the tools needed to understand the market, create or refine a tourism experience that can be sold to visitors, learn about funding opportunities and how to promote via media and digital marketing channels.

Regional Connect will be held on Wednesday September 5 from 5pm-6.30pm at the Canberra Innovation Network.

This is a chance for businesses across the Southern Inland region to come together, meet people from different areas and discuss ideas and/or opportunities for collaboration.

Council is currently calling for applications from community organisations who are seeking donations and financial assistance from Council for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

I encourage Community groups and sporting clubs who require financial support to continue their great work within the community to apply.

Examples of general fund projects that may qualify include donations towards the cost of an award program, community publications and community facility rates and insurance costs.

This program replaces all ad hoc requests to Council for financial assistance and donations.

Application forms can be found on Council’s website www.hilltops.nsw.gov.au

The Hilltops Region Food and Wine Weekend is just around the corner, being held 21-23 September.

Tickets are selling fast for what is set to be a great weekend.

These events tie together to provide the perfect opportunity for residents to invite their friends and family from other areas to visit and showcase the beautiful Hilltops region.

Events include Hilltops Wine Tasting in Jugiong, Hilltops Wine Show in Young and Cherry Blossom Long Lazy Lunch.

Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.au

Plans for the 2018 Boorowa Irish Woolfest being held on the October long weekend are full steam ahead with a jam packed program that includes something for everyone.

If you’ve never been to this event then mark the date in your diary because it really is a great weekend with running of the sheep, street parade, markets, food, rides, live music and entertainment, fashion parade, fireworks and quick shear competition.