Finally, we have had some rain! For us, it was slow and gentle, filling the tanks and revitalising the garden.

For those whose livelihoods and animals depend on it, I hope you also had beneficial rain.

I was excited that last week marked the first meeting of the Hilltops Access Committee - the first time Hilltops Council has had this advisory group.

Formed with one councillor and up to ten community members, it is a place where you can support the Council in understanding and addressing access issues that affect the Hilltops community.

Council staff also attend to listen to issues raised and provide meeting support.

To start with, we will be helping to create and review the Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the foundation document.

In the coming months, we will be holding a few events where you can come and offer suggestions about what needs to be included.

Please look out for these – we need as much community input as possible from those who have a disability, their families, and their carers, to ensure the document is beneficial and useful across Hilltops.

At the first meeting, some practical issues were also raised that need addressing - difficulties in physically accessing footpaths and disabled parking spaces.

We have a few enthusiastic members, but we need more!

Go to the Have Your Say page on Council’s website or alternatively phone Council on 1300 445 586 for more information or help with the application.

Applications close on Thursday 19 June.

Finally, I was privileged to see the restored Graham School at Hovell’s Creek recently. Congratulations to the local community who created this transformation, supported by the Hovell’s Creek RFS and Landcare groups.

Thank you to all who recently attended the Jugiong Community BBQ to provide feedback or ask questions!

Councillor Mary Dodd