Council tours prove hit

DID you know Kiama Council manages 10 community halls and 137 parks and reserves?

Or that it gives $1000 to each school in the municipality for music programs?

These were just some of the things people learnt on the Know Your Council bus tours this week.

The council hosted two tours of council facilities to celebrate local government week and to educate ratepayers about what their council is doing.

"Our new theme is "?It's your council, your community', and we felt running the tours was fitting with that," Mayor Sandra McCarthy said.

Maree Bent, who attended Monday's tour, said: "I think it's just really good to learn about local government and to see where ratepayers' money is spent and see a bit more of the local council."

The itinerary included tours of the Kiama Harbour Cabins, Kiama Community College, Blue Haven and Spring Creek.

Another participant of Monday's tour, Jan Trinder, said it was interesting to see all the different things the council did. She was particularly looking forward to visiting the Family History Centre.

Each tour started with a talk by Cr McCarthy about the history of the council (which first sat in September 1859), the municipality's flag and about what the council does.

"? What do you know about our council? Does it meet your expectations? What would you change? SMS 0420 847 990 (please include your name or initials and surburb) or email news@kiamaindependent.com.au