Glen Innes Severn Council has launched a new monthly initiative giving residents the
chance to speak directly with Councillors and Council staff in a relaxed setting about
issues affecting themselves and the wider community. The emphasis is intentionally
informal, with the sessions—called Conversations with Councillors—held at the Highlands
Hub once a month on a Thursday from 4pm to 6pm.
Councillors attend when available, and at the third and most recent Conversation those
present included Mayor Margot Davis, Deputy Mayor Carol Sparks, and Councillor Anne
Vosper, with General Manager Bernard Smith also on hand to respond to questions and
suggestions.
Attendance at this session was small but engaged. Some participants came to follow up
on matters they felt had stalled, while others brought broader ideas for Council to consider.
A few stayed for the full two hours, while others dropped in briefly to raise a specific query
before heading off again.
Topics ranged from the simple to the complex. Some issues were easily resolved once
discussed, while others required input from multiple levels of government, meaning
solutions were less immediate.
The Conversations offer a pathway for people who feel their concerns have not
progressed despite earlier contact with Council. Attendees were reminded that the first and
most effective step is still to contact Council directly. Emails sent to
council@gisc.nsw.gov.au are formally logged, allocated to the appropriate officer, and
tracked through to outcome. While residents may still choose to copy in the Mayor or
individual Councillors, sending the email to the main address helps ensure a faster and
more efficient response.
Councillors also encouraged residents to sign up to Council’s Have Your Say portal,
where the community can provide feedback on key planning and policy matters. Current
engagement topics include The Future of Waste and Recycling in Glen Innes Severn and
the New England and North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan.
The next Conversation with Councillors will be advertised on Council’s website and social
media, and residents are warmly invited to come along, raise concerns, escalate
unresolved matters, share ideas, or simply listen.
