In celebration of Local Government Week, the council will take its Tuesday, July 24 meeting into the community and hold it at Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club.

“Local government is the level of government closest to its community, and this is a great opportunity to make sure everyone has a chance to see what we do and participate in the process,” Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said.

“Council does much more than just roads, rates and rubbish.

“Whether people realise it or not, Port Stephens Council plays a big part in many people’s lives – from child care and libraries, to sports fields, playgrounds and pools, all the way through to pet registration, cemeteries and even emergency preparedness and response.”

Local Government Week 2018 will be marked between July 30 to August 5. This week is used to promote the importance of councils to the community.

Cr Palmer raised the idea of moving the ordinary meeting of council out into the public in a Notice of Motion earlier in the year, saying it was a way to engage with the Port community.

At its meeting on February 27, the council committed to holding one regular meeting in the community for the remainder of the council term.

It was agreed that the public meeting would be held during Local Government Week or the closest date prior to the start of the week.

The council will meet at Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club from 5.30pm on July 24. All are welcome to attend.

“I’d encourage anyone who has ever wondered what council does or how our meetings work to come along and check it out,” Cr Palmer said.