The Mayor's Column
How heartbreaking is this, to see the beautiful face of a little girl in a hat, smiling at us from newspapers, reading that she allegedly died of starvation? Thinking, how could this happen? Could it happen in our community?
Recent media coverage of stories about neglect and death of children is stark evidence of the failure of our systems at federal and state level to provide adequate checks and balances to prevent such tragedies.
I believe that at local government level we have a clear duty of care to provide facilities and support for our families and children. I believe that such tragedies can happen in any community, and that parents suffering depression, isolation or other pressures can go unnoticed in a suburb such as ours.
In these times when there is a breakdown in the traditional roles of extended family and general loss of neighbourly concern, it is very important for local councils to provide help and information.
The Community Profile compiled from 2006 census data shows that about 28% of Mosman residents were born overseas. We also have a changing population, with a turnover of about 42% every five years.
The conclusion could be that a lot of people here do not have established support networks or families. In response, we invite new residents to morning tea, to get together, to access local information and help widen social networks. The next will be held at Council Chambers on Tuesday November 20th at 10 am to 12 pm.
Family support is provided by Council with a variety of childcare options. For the 0 to 5 there is short-term occasional childcare, long day care, or family day care by registered people in their own homes. Connections Playgroup provides a social network for parents as well as children, which is enormously important. We need more of them. For 6 to 12 there is after school care and vacation care in the school holidays.
Council’s Youth centre offers programmes for our older students. The Saturday Youth Group has monthly activities and outings for students with special needs and a drama class each Thursday afternoon.
Senior students are involved in advocacy for their age group through a Youth Forum. The Youth Centre is a very important place for these young people to hang out, build friendships and come for information and support.
The Library offers a range of services, help with homework and creative activities.
Most importantly, let us look out for each other, especially our children, in a spirit of community.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
