It takes the work of many to ensure an area like Dungog grows to meet the needs of its residents.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In acknowledgement of the challenges a growing region represents, Dungog Shire Council celebrated local government week by recognising the different staff that work to make the Shire a desirable place to live. Dungog's Mayor John Connors said he was grateful for the team and believed it was vital they get some recognition.
"We all like to be recognised and I think they've done such a great job," he said. "They're all important. Without them nothing happens."
The former barrister has lived in Dungog for 15 years and has been in council since 2017. Becoming mayor in March of 2020, Councillor Connors saw the sustainability of Dungog council as a key issue that he has worked on improving during his time in council. Increases in grants that the council has received has meant that this year council has had a capital works budget of more than $40 million, according to Cr Connors.
"It's unprecedented," he said.
According to the mayor, council staff have faced more than a few challenges in the past few years, not the least being the COVID-19 pandemic which has presented unique challenges.
"COVID has been a challenge for everybody and it still is," he said.
"It's had impacts right across the board, from staffing issues at the administration centre through to road construction and bridge construction."
Wet weather has also made it difficult for council staff to deal with Dungog's ongoing pothole situation, according to Cr Connors.
"The weather in the last six-to-twelve months has had a major impact," he said.
"But potholes are a problem everywhere, not just here. With the weather, as quick as you fix them you get another wet spell and they reappear. It's a regrettable circle."
It is an issue that has resulted in negative feedback from the community towards both council and council staff, which the mayor finds frustrating.
"Council staff get a lot of criticism from the community at times, but I think local government week is a good opportunity to focus on the people and what's been done this year," he said.
"The theme has been to focus on the staff because without the contribution of all those people the place wouldn't function," he said.
"The efforts this year by the works crew have been phenomenal. That's part of what the council has tried to do this week, highlight all those people."