I was very interested in the article ‘Independence Day’ in the February 8 issue of the Kiama Independent. Kiama council is to be congratulated on this initiative.
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I agree that the proposed activities on the day should be sponsored by council, but I think there should be a period of public consultation during which the purpose of the day is formally agreed as well as the activities to be sponsored.
What we would be celebrating is keeping Kiama municipality independent.
Maintaining this independence galvanised the council and locals into meetings and discussions of the pros and cons of the proposed merger with Shoalhaven.
‘Independence Day’ activities should therefore include presentations by council of the benefits of that independence in the year since the last Independence Day, and an outline of planned council activities for the year ahead.
This should not be a “dry stuffy talk” but a slide/video presentation of maintenance and improvement activities undertaken by council on behalf of its ratepayers. This would draw ratepayers into a more dynamic relationship with their highly-regarded council. It could also be an opportunity for ratepayers to make suggestions to council to improve the amenity of the area.
I agree that speeches and/or debates would reflect the activities that took place to secure our independence.
This could be an opportunity for school children and others to do some public speaking on topics relevant to the Kiama municipality.
I agree that a photographic competition is a suitable element in the Kiama Independence Day, but the principal category, for which a prize is offered, should be limited to photographs taken in the Kiama area (landscapes, or photos of activities or events held in the municipality in the last year). That is not to say there should not be other photographic categories.
It should also include an artwork competition on the same subject (paintings, sketches, and other media based on the Kiama area) involving school children and our many local artisans, with ‘judges’ choice’ and public voting akin to the Archibald prize.
-Steve Hackett, Kiama Downs
Letters to the editor are the the opinions of the writers. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Kiama Independent. Letters may be subject to editing for space and/or clarity.
