As the new Lord Mayor of Wollongong let me take this opportunity to wish all our community members a safe, joyful and happy Christmas.

Christmas not only is a holy time for many members of our community it is a time to share with family, friends and other community members. I also hope that it is a meaningful time for everyone and allows you time to reinvigorate and refresh for 2012.

Christmas is a time when we need to reflect on our achievements, hopes and aspirations for the year. It is also a time when we should think about others and allow ourselves to show compassion for those in the community who might be struggling this year. Reach out to those who are lonely missing a loved one, greet a neighbour, or hug someone special.

Christmas for me and Pilar also will be a busy time as I will preside over the midnight service at the Church on the Mall and drop into the Christmas lunch for those who are doing it tough.

On Christmas day we will leave for Taiwan to represent the City at the dedication of a new Buddhist temple and memorial centre.

This year has seen a great change with the election of Councillors and Lord Mayor at Council. And the year has been a steep learning curve for myself and I’m sure other Councillors have also been working hard to understand many different projects, services and issues in the city.

I and all Councillors wish all community members a peaceful, meaningful and joyous Christmas and New Year.
I also hope that the New Year will bring new challenges and we are able to see a continued growth in the city and continued hope for the city’s wellbeing.

Once again have a great Christmas and a relaxing time over the New Year.

Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM