4 September 2024, Mayor Cr Liesbeth Long - Dunolly Welcome Record

Published on 04 September 2024

What a ride!

This will be my last column before we go into caretaker mode. So as good a time as any for a bit of reflection.

Four years ago, I made a decision that has changed my life, in so many ways. I decided to put my hand up and run for Council.

This decision was not made lightly, but as a keen community volunteer and a desire to nurture small local communities through personal action, it was something I felt I was ready for.

I never thought I would be elected to Flynn Ward as a first-time candidate and I am still humbled by the fact that you chose me to represent your community, a community that I’ve fallen in love with.

But it’s so much more than that. Becoming a councillor has given me the greatest sense of purpose I’ve ever had in my life, except for raising a family together with my husband, Andrew.

To be able to make decisions at such a high level for our community that will impact not just tomorrow or next week, but often years and decades into the future is something that I have found immensely fulfilling and rewarding.

Has it been challenging? Absolutely! But on the flip side, I’ve met some fantastic, passionate and community-focussed individuals. I’ve experienced personal growth that I never imagined. Not to mention the satisfaction of working with my fellow councillors and our dedicated Council staff ‘to get the job done’.

So as my term draws to a close, I’d like to thank everyone for your support, encouragement and kind words. These four years have gone really fast but have left me with a feeling of unwavering pride and accomplishment.