April 2026 Mayor's Message

Published on 17 April 2026

The year is indeed flying by with Easter now past and our farmers commencing sowing.  In the media we have been hearing a lot about the cost of living and, more recently, the impacts of rising fuel prices.  It was timely therefore that James Rouel, Moira Foodshare Coordinator presented to council informing us of both the challenges and projects that they are working on.

Moira Foodshare specifically supports Berrigan Shire residents through both its Cobram (open Monday to Friday from 10AM to Noon) and Finley shopfronts (open Thursday 10:30AM to 11:30AM).  The Finley shopfront, operated with the assistance of 15 volunteers, distributed 19,203 Kilograms of food and supported 486 community members every month last financial year.  Finley is set to get an upgrade supported by funding from the NSW government to transform it into a community hub and social supermarket.  This will be the first of its kind in Rural Australia with the inclusion of commercial fridges, freezers, shelving, tables, chairs, scales and other technology.  However, some funding assistance from the community will be needed for the flooring.  If you can spare a few dollars (or a lot of dollars) to help please do reach out to Moirafoodshare.com.au 

On Easter Saturday, I was pleased to officiate at the opening of the Hawkins Memorial Gates at the Tocumwal Aerodrome.  The Gates are in recognition of Bert and Ernie Hawkins’ contribution to the war effort in February 1942 when their property was taken over by way of compulsory occupation and then acquisition by the Commonwealth to facilitate the construction of the Tocumwal Air Depot.  The Hawkins’ property was the largest and encompassed the area which is retained for the aerodrome along with elements of the White’s property (credit:  John Hawkins).  Many thanks must go to Murray Haynes OAM who was instrumental in achieving this project.

Directly after Easter, we welcomed our new CEO Cameron Boardman to council.  Cameron is making efforts to get to know our shire and you will certainly see him out and about. 

On behalf of Council, I would like to formally thank Mark Dupe for his service as Interim CEO since last July.  Mark has been a great support to me and the councillors over this period and we greatly appreciate his contributions to our shire and our council.

Dr Julia Cornwell McKean

MAYOR BERRIGAN SHIRE COUNCIL