Mayor's Message
Rockingham is experiencing a time of rapid growth and change. The Council is developing in line with this, growing and adapting with the City. Recently we have created a new division City Safe and more than 20 new positions. The Council has completed many fantastic projects, and there are many more underway or planned.
The new City Safe division tackles issues of community safety and wellbeing. It incorporates Fire, Ranger and Parking Services, as well as the Security and Community Safety Team, Neighbourhood Watch, and a resource centre. City Safe is responsible for many successful projects such as the CCTV Camera Monitoring Project, anti-graffiti campaigns, Safe Seniors and security patrols.
The new Life Links building was officially opened in November 2005. It was constructed with a $2.2 million grant from LotteryWest on land donated by the City of Rockingham. Housing the Rockingham Women's Health and Information Centre, Care Options Inc and other community groups it brings an important community facility to the city centre.
The Community Health and Wellbeing Plan is being developed using results from an extensive research phase. Methods of research included the Speakout, a very successful public forum held at the Spring Festival in 2004, a Health and Wellbeing Needs Assessment and the Rockingham Children and Youth Health Wellbeing Study. Workshops will be held in mid 2006 to discuss the results of the research phase of the project.
The Community Projects Division provides participants the opportunity to work on projects in their local community, as well as training and skills development. Fantasy Park was completed and officially opened in November 2005. The Park features a wheelchair access swing, play equipment and sculpted fantasy creatures. It is a very popular facility with the children of Rockingham. The Baldivis Children’s Forest is a currently underway with teams working on an outdoor classroom, toilet facilities, cookhouse and an extensive revegetation program. Other projects include the refurbishment of Ngala Headquarters and the development of an information centre and walk trails in Lark Hill.
At the Council we enjoy seeing plans to come to fruition after much hard work by our dedicated staff members. There are many exciting projects and initiatives throughout Council’s divisions. I am proud of our staff for their commitments and achievements, and proud of the Council and Councillors for their vision and direction for the future of our City. The Rockingham Council is working hard for the benefit of our community and for the future of the City.
